Rose simple syrup is a beautiful and aromatic way to add floral sweetness to your favorite recipes. With its light, romantic flavor and soft pink hue, this syrup is a stunning addition to cocktails, desserts, teas, and lemonades. Often associated with Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, rose syrup has become a trend in artisanal drinks and homemade baking alike.

Making your own rose syrup is simple and incredibly rewarding. By using dried culinary-grade rose buds and real sugar, you can create a more authentic and naturally infused syrup compared to store-bought alternatives. Whether you’re elevating a brunch spread or crafting your own signature cocktail, this syrup adds an elegant, botanical flair that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

White Sugar
A neutral sweetener that balances the floral notes without overpowering the rose flavor.

Filtered Water
Used to dissolve the sugar and infuse the rose buds, creating a smooth syrup base.

Dried Rose Buds
Choose organic or culinary-grade rose buds for a pure and delicate floral infusion. These create the signature flavor and color of the syrup.

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the white sugar, filtered water, and dried rose buds over medium heat. Stir gently as the sugar dissolves, and bring the mixture to a soft simmer.
Once the sugar has completely dissolved, let the syrup continue to simmer for 10 minutes. This helps draw out the rose essence and gives the syrup a light blush color.
Remove the pan from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. The rose buds can continue to steep as it cools, deepening the flavor.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the buds, and pour the syrup into a clean, airtight glass container.
Store your rose syrup in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Shake before use, as natural settling may occur.

Optional Tip: If you don’t have whole rose buds, you can substitute them with dried rose petals—use about 45 grams to get a similar strength and aroma.

Creative Ways to Use Rose Syrup

Rose syrup is versatile and can elevate both drinks and dishes with its floral charm. Here are some of our favorite uses:

Cocktails & Mocktails – Add a splash to gin, vodka, or champagne-based drinks. It also works beautifully in zero-proof drinks with lemonade or soda water.
Lattes & Teas – Mix it into black tea, green tea, or a chai latte for a floral twist.
Lemonades & Sparkling Water – Stir into citrus drinks for a refreshing floral zing.
Desserts – Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, mix into whipped cream, or glaze a cake.
Yogurt & Oatmeal – Add a spoonful to your breakfast bowls for a unique morning treat.
Frostings & Fillings – Fold into buttercream or cream cheese frosting for cakes, cupcakes, and macarons.

Rose syrup pairs especially well with vanilla, pistachio, cardamom, citrus, berries, and white chocolate. Use this syrup to turn everyday recipes into something truly special and fragrant.

Tips for Best Results

Always use food-grade or culinary dried rose buds—avoid decorative rose petals that may have been treated with chemicals.
For a deeper color, let the buds steep in the syrup as it cools or add a few extra buds.
Want to enhance the pink hue naturally? Add a few dried hibiscus petals while simmering for a subtle blush tint.
This syrup also makes a great edible gift—pour into small glass bottles, label with usage suggestions, and tie with ribbon for a charming DIY touch.

Storage and Shelf Life

Due to its natural ingredients and high sugar content, rose syrup has a shelf life of up to three weeks when stored properly. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight glass container, and always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination. If you see cloudiness or an off smell, discard it and make a fresh batch.

Your turn!

Rose syrup is more than just a pretty floral addition—it’s an easy, elegant way to transform everyday recipes into luxurious experiences. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, tea lover, or home baker, this syrup adds a subtle sweetness and unique flavor that’s timeless and sophisticated. With just a few ingredients and a little care, you can bottle the beauty of a rose garden and enjoy it year-round.

I prefer to store my simple syrups in mason jars, and use lids like pour lids from Mason Jar Lifestyle. Alternatively, I also like to use these bottles which are aesthetic!

Check Out My Cookbook, Simple Syrups From Scratch!

Simple Syrups From Scratch—your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash.

The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: Hot chocolate, Teas, Lemonades, Sparkling water or infused water, Cocktails or mocktails, Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, Add to overnight oats, Brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, Use syrups in frosting or glazes, Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, Add to smoothies or milkshakes, Make salad dressings, Homemade popsicles and so much more!

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Check Out My Cookbook, From Scratch!

I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.

From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:

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Check Out The Pantry Labels

In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.

Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.

Pantry Labels