Rose syrup recipe: Create delicious homemade rose syrup with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for adding floral sweetness to drinks and desserts!

We have the most gorgeous & abundant pink roses growing right outside our front door. This time of year was particularly abundant for beautiful rose flowers, and so I harvested as many of them as possible. I make many different things with rose flowers and rose petals, such as air drying them for tea. But this simple rose syrup recipe is my favorite way to harness the aroma of roses in cooking but mostly in some delicious rose drink recipes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super simple: Making rose simple syrup is so easy, it really doesn’t get simpler than this.
Money saving: If you have access to roses from an unpolluted, and pesticide-free area, this recipe is a great way to save money on store-bought rose syrup.
Clean Ingredients: Unlike the rose syrup that you will find for example at an Asian grocery store, this homemade version is free of preservatives, chemicals and other additives, making it a much healthier alternative.
Versatile: I love using this rose syrup in hot coffee drinks, but it can be used in cold drinks as well as baking recipes.
Health Benefits: Rose petal tea has been used for various medicinal purposes. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, protecting cells and reducing inflammation. It aids digestion, promotes hydration, supports detoxification, and enhances mood. Additionally, it improves skin health, alleviates menstrual cramps

What You’ll Need

1 cup fresh cut roses or rose petals from an area that is free of pollutants (cars, etc) and pesticide-free. Can use dried rose petals too.
1 cup filtered water
1 cup cane sugar

Tools

medium size pot with lid
metal strainer

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a medium sized pot and bring to a simmer.
Turn down the heat and continue to simmer very lightly for another 15mins
Using a fine mesh metal stariner, strain the rose petals out
Continue to simmer for another 15mins until the mixture thickens
Turn off the heat and allow the rose syrup to cool completely
Add to your favorite beverage or store in a glass jar in the fridge.

FAQ

It’s best to use fresh, culinary-grade rose petals from edible roses or wild roses. Ensure they are pesticide-free for safe consumption.

While red roses give a lovely pink color, you can use pink rose petals or other varieties for different shades and floral notes.

Yes, but brown sugar will give the syrup a deeper color and a slight molasses flavor, altering the delicate rose flavor.

Generally, 1 cup of fresh rose petals is used per cup of sugar and water.

Yes, you can use dry rose petals, but you may need to adjust the quantity as dried petals are more concentrated.

Yes, flavors like vanilla, hibiscus flower petals, or ginger can be added during the simmering process for a unique twist.

Absolutely! Rose syrup can be used in soda water, iced tea, a cup of tea, rose syrup milkshake, or even with ginger ale. My favorites are Rose Latte and Rose Matcha Latte

Adding more rose petals or a tablespoon of rose water can boost the floral aroma and taste.

Yes, rose syrup has soothing properties and can be used in hot water or tea to help alleviate sore throats.

Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, mix into a sweet floral cordial, or use in baking for a subtle floral flavor.

Yes, by adjusting the water ratio and cooking longer, you can make a thicker rose petal jam.

Use fresh, aromatic petals and avoid overcooking to preserve the subtle floral flavor.

It’s not recommended to use essential oils in culinary applications unless they are specifically labeled as food-grade.

If you are allergic to roses or artificial fragrances, exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before consuming.

Combine rose syrup with soda water, a few drops of lemon juice, and ice for a refreshing drink.

Use fresh petals, maintain low heat, and taste as you go to adjust sweetness and flavor. Store in sterilized bottles for best results.

rose petals being heated in a pot — Screenshot

Tips

1.Use Fresh, Organic Roses

Choose unsprayed, organic roses to avoid pesticides and chemicals. The fresher the petals, the more vibrant the flavor and color.

2. Simmer, Don’t Boil

Heat the mixture over low heat to gently extract the flavor and color from the petals without boiling. Boiling can cause the petals to lose their delicate aroma.

3. Sterilize Bottles

Store the syrup in sterilized glass bottles or jars to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Boil the bottles for a few minutes and let them air dry before use.

4. Shake Before Use

Natural separation may occur, so shake the bottle before using the syrup to mix the ingredients well.

5. Experiment with Flavors

For a unique twist, add complementary flavors like vanilla, cardamom, or cinnamon during the simmering process.

6. Adjust Sweetness

Taste the syrup as it simmers and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more sugar if needed.

Storage

Allow the rose syrup to cool completely to room temperature after preparing it. This prevents condensation inside the storage container.

Use clean, sterilized glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids for storing the rose syrup. Ensure they are completely dry before use.

Seal the bottles or jars tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can lead to spoilage and loss of flavor.

Store the sealed bottles of rose syrup in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and extends the shelf life.

Homemade rose syrup typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 1 month. Discard any syrup that shows signs of mold, cloudiness, or off odors.

Avoid freezing the rose syrup as it can alter the texture and flavor once thawed.

If you prefer not to refrigerate the syrup, store it in a cool, dark place. However, refrigeration is recommended for longer shelf life.

Consider storing smaller portions of rose syrup in smaller bottles or jars for convenience. This helps reduce exposure to air each time you open the syrup.

Before using the syrup, inspect it visually and smell it to ensure it still smells fresh and has not developed any off odors.

How to Make Homemade Simple Rose Syrup Recipe

Rose syrup recipe: Create delicious homemade rose syrup with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for adding floral sweetness to drinks and desserts!

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cut roses or rose petals from an area that is free of pollutants (cars, etc) and pesticide-free. Can use dried rose petals too.
1 cup filtered water
1 cup cane sugar

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a medium sized pot and bring to a simmer.
Turn down the heat and continue to simmer very lightly for another 15mins
Using a fine mesh metal stariner, strain the rose petals out
Continue to simmer for another 15mins until the mixture thickens
Turn off the heat and allow the rose syrup to cool completely
Add to your favorite beverage or store in a glass jar in the fridge.

Notes

Tips

Use Fresh, Organic Roses: Choose unsprayed, organic roses to avoid pesticides and chemicals. The fresher the petals, the more vibrant the flavor and color.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Heat the mixture over low heat to gently extract the flavor and color from the petals without boiling. Boiling can cause the petals to lose their delicate aroma.
Sterilize Bottles: Store the syrup in sterilized glass bottles or jars to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Boil the bottles for a few minutes and let them air dry before use.
Shake Before Use: Natural separation may occur, so shake the bottle before using the syrup to mix the ingredients well.
Experiment with Flavors: For a unique twist, add complementary flavors like vanilla, cardamom, or cinnamon during the simmering process.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the syrup as it simmers and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more sugar if needed.

Storage

Cooling Before Storage: Allow the rose syrup to cool completely to room temperature after preparing it. This prevents condensation inside the storage container.
Choosing Storage Containers: Use clean, sterilized glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids for storing the rose syrup. Ensure they are completely dry before use.
Airtight Seal: Seal the bottles or jars tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can lead to spoilage and loss of flavor.
Refrigeration: Store the sealed bottles of rose syrup in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and extends the shelf life.
Shelf Life: Homemade rose syrup typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 1 month. Discard any syrup that shows signs of mold, cloudiness, or off odors.
Avoid Freezing: Avoid freezing the rose syrup as it can alter the texture and flavor once thawed.
Alternative Storage: If you prefer not to refrigerate the syrup, store it in a cool, dark place. However, refrigeration is recommended for longer shelf life.
Using Small Containers: Consider storing smaller portions of rose syrup in smaller bottles or jars for convenience. This helps reduce exposure to air each time you open the syrup.
Inspect Before Use: Before using the syrup, inspect it visually and smell it to ensure it still smells fresh and has not developed any off odors.