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This rose simple syrup recipe makes a deliciously sweet smelling homemade simple sugar syrup with a delicate rose flavor, perfect for desserts, drinks, cocktails, milk teas and even your morning coffee or your iced tea! Made with only 3 simple ingredients, you can make a batch of this syrup in under 10 minutes.

Rose simple syrup in a bottle. — Versatile Rose Syrup with Natural Rose Petals

This fragrant and sweet-smelling syrup with a lovely floral flavor is incredibly versatile and you only need three simple ingredients to make it. Whether you have fresh or dried roses on hand or prefer to use rose water extract, this syrup is a must-have in any kitchen. I'll show you in this post, just how easy it is to make your own rose flavored simple syrup in 2 simple option - with fresh or dried rose petals and without the rose petals.

What is Simple Syrup?
How to Make
Notes
Like this easy syrup recipe? Here are my other recipes you might want to check out
Recipe (Printable)

What is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving equal parts of white sugar in equal parts of water. It's a versatile ingredient that's commonly used in cocktails, desserts, and other recipes that require a sweetener.

Simple syrup is often preferred over regular sugar because of its ability to dissolve quickly and evenly, which makes it easier to incorporate into a recipe. It also adds moisture and helps to extend the shelf life of baked goods.

Basic simple syrup can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as herbs, fruits, or even spices, to add a unique twist to your favorite recipes.

How to Make

Ingredients

For syrup made with fresh or dried rose petals:

Water
White sugar
Dried rose petals (or fresh rose petals)
Rose water extract (optional)
Pink food color (optional)

For syrup made without rose petals:

Water
White sugar
Rose water extract
Pink food color (optional)

Option 1 - With rose petals

This is a perfect option for people who prefer an all natural syrup. You can make the syrup with either dried or fresh rose petals.

A poster of 6 images showing how to cook flower petals with sugar.

Start by measuring the water into a small saucepan.
Add the rose petals followed by the sugar.
Place the pot on the stove and turn on the heat to a medium flame.
Let the syrup cook over medium heat. Stir to expedite the sugar to dissolve. Once the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat and let the rose continue to steep in the syrup for 5 to 10 minutes. If you cook for too long, you will end up with thicker syrup.
Strain the flower with a fine mesh sieve.
Squeeze the flowers with a back of a spoon to release as much syrup and extract from the petals. Discard the petals. Pour the syrup into airtight bottle or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before putting on the lid and storing in the fridge until ready to use.

Syrup made with natural rose flower will not be as bright pink as tinted with food coloring. The natural color of the syrup will depend very much on the type and color of the petals you use. It is possible for the syrup to be not be pink at all.

The aroma of the syrup will also not be as strong as those made using rose water extract.

If you prefer a stronger rose flavored syrup or a brighter colored one, you can add about a quarter teaspoon of rose water extract to the syrup after straining the rose petals. As for the color, start by adding a little color at a time and stir well before you add more to achieve your desired color tone for the simple syrup.

Option 2 - Without rose petals

This is the easier option for making the syrup because you do not need any rose petals, flowers or buds. All you need is rose water extract for a quick and easy syrup. To add color, you simple add some pink food coloring to the syrup to complete your homemade simple syrup.

Start by measuring water into a pot.
Add sugar and turn on the heat to a medium flame.
Cook the water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the water heats up. Stir to help the sugar dissolve.
Once the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool down to room temperature. Add the rose extract and stir to combine well.
If you wish to tint the syrup pink, do it at this stage. Start with as little coloring as possible and mix well before adding more color.
Pour the syrup into a clean and airtight bottle. You can use the syrup immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

A bottle of red rose syrup. — Rose Water Simple Syrup

Notes

How to choose the roses for the syrup?

If you wish to use fresh roses, make sure their are edible. Also make sure to wash them properly to remove any pesticides or insects. For best results, pluck the petals and add them as rose petals instead of adding the whole flower. This will allow the rose extract to better seep into the syrup.
If using dried rose, it is important to make sure the flowers are food grade. Always purchase them from natural food stores. And similar to fresh flowers, if you purchase whole dried roses, separate the flower into loose petals before adding to the syrup.
You can also use dried rose buds to make the syrup and it is better to cut the buds to allow the rose extract from the flowers to better steep into the syrup.

What is rose water extract?

Rose water extract is a liquid that is made by steeping rose petals in water or via steam distillation which captures the aromatic compounds and flavor of the roses. It is often in a very concentrated form hence, you only need to use it in very small quantities in the syrup.
Rose extract derived from the distillation process has a stronger aroma and is more long lasting.
When purchasing the extract, choose food grade ones as rose water extract is also widely used in perfumes and skincare products for its pleasant fragrance and hydrating properties.

Best type of sugar for the syrup

White sugar is the best as it will not alter the color of the syrup. You can use both coarse sugar or granulated sugar.
You can also use other types of sugar like organic unbleached sugar or organic sugar, or even brown sugar, but these sugars may alter the taste of the syrup as well as its color.

What can you use the rose syrup for?

Here's what you can use this rose simple syrup for:
1. Flavoring cocktails - This syrup adds a sweet floral note to cocktails like mojitos, gin fizzes, and martinis.
2. Sweetening tea and coffee - Add a splash of the rose syrup to your tea or coffee for a sweet and aromatic twist.
3. Baking - Use the simple syrup for cake layers, cupcakes, and other baked goods to add moisture and flavor.
4. Flavoring desserts - Drizzle some over ice cream, fruit salads, or custards to add a touch of sweetness and aroma.
5. Mocktails - Rose syrup is a great way to add a sophisticated flavor to non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade or sparkling water.

How long with the syrup last and how to store it?

You can use the rose simple syrup immediately after making it. You can also make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to store it in an airtight jar or bottle to preserve its sweet rose aroma.

2 bottles of pink and red liquid. — Rose simple syrup made with natural rose petals (left) and food coloring (right)

Like this easy syrup recipe? Here are my other recipes you might want to check out

Recipe (Printable)

Here is the full printable version of my easy homemade rose flavored simple syrup recipe card.

📖Recipe

Rose Simple Syrup

This easy rose simple syrup recipe makes deliciously elegant, sweet floral scented syrup, perfect for cocktails, desserts, and beverages.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Rose Simple Syrup

Prep Time: 2

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Yield: 375 ml

Author: Priya Maha

Metric - US Customary

For best results, use the metrics measurements. US customary measurements have not been tested and are only meant for guide.