How to Cook With Rose Water: 6 Ways to Use Rose Water

Rose water is water that has been flavored with the distilled essence of rose petals. Islamic chemists first figured out how to distill rose petals to their essence in the tenth century, where rose water was initially used as a hand sanitizer because of its antibacterial properties. Modern rose water is made through a process called steam distillation, where rose petals are steeped in water to extract their essential oils.

Rose water is mostly known as a dominant ingredient in many skin-care regimens as a toner or cleanser, but it is also used in hair products, plant medicine, and cooking.

Rose water has a predominantly floral flavor that is not quite savory, and not quite sweet. The subtle floral aroma that rose water exudes can add a fuller sensory experience to any meal.

Due to its dominance in Middle Eastern cooking, pure rose water is typically found alongside orange blossom water and pomegranate syrup in the ethnic foods section of the grocery store. Some stores also stock rose water in the sweetener or baking aisle with items like almond and vanilla extract.

Rose water adds lift and floral aroma to a number of desserts across the world. It’s integral to Greek baklava, soft, gummy Turkish Delight, Persian rice pudding, and French pastries and macarons.

1. 1. Balance savory spices. Rose water can be used to round off more intensely savory spices like saffron, and provide a high note to more mellow flavors like roasted pistachios and honey. Rose water is incredibly potent and using too much can overpower other flavors—a little goes a long way.
2. 2. Add to frosting. Add a teaspoon of rose water to homemade buttercream frosting for an elegant, botanically-inspired finishing touch on cakes or cupcakes.
3. 3. Add to ice cream. Take vanilla ice cream to a new level of flavor by adding in some rose water and a sprinkle of cardamom.
4. 4. Add to jams and compotes. Rose water can add a new dimension to the tangy-sweet notes of a homemade jam or compote with rhubarb, strawberry, and raspberry.
5. 5. Add to baking recipes. Old-fashioned apple pie and pound cake recipes called for a dash or two of rose water: Revive the tradition by adding rose water to your next baked creation.
6. 6. Add to cocktails. Rose-flavored tonics and artisanal sodas have become increasingly popular in recent years. Add a splash of rose water to a gin and tonic or a margarita to shift the vibe of a favorite cocktail.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by culinary masters, including Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Massimo Bottura, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.