A Simple Recipe: Make Rose Water and Get Cooking with this Luxurious Flower

Listen up, flower lovers—because rose season is upon us, and it’s time to bottle up a little bit of that beauty for ourselves! If you’ve never made your own rose water before, let me be the first to tell you: it’s pure magic. Soft, fragrant, romantic—this petal-powered potion has been treasured for centuries, and once you make it yourself, you’ll understand why.

At Magnolia’s Yarden, we love celebrating flowers not just for their beauty in the garden, but for all the ways they can nourish and delight us. And rose water? It’s a perfect example. It’s been used in everything from ancient beauty rituals to modern-day cakes and cocktails, and once you know how to make it, you’ll want to keep a bottle of this floral gold on hand all the time.

Let’s get into the dreamy details.

Why We Love Rose Water

Rose water is more than just a pretty scent. It’s full of aromatic oils and antioxidants that can soothe your skin, calm your spirit, and even flavor your favorite sweet treats. It’s long been used to treat everything from skin irritation to headaches, and it’s a staple in kitchens and vanities around the world. From facial toners to cake glazes, rose water adds elegance and gentle healing wherever it goes.

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh, organic rose petals (from your garden or our edible rose petals at Magnolia’s Yarden)

• 1 cup distilled water

• A sanitized glass bottle or jar

• Cheesecloth (for straining)

• Small pot with a lid

• Optional ingredients to customize:

• 2 drops of essential oil (like lavender or peppermint)

• 1–2 tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp vanilla or almond extract (per 2 cups)

• Fresh mint leaf (per 2 cups)

To make rose water, you'll need fresh organic rose petals. The best way to get these is from your own garden or Magnolia's Yarden edible rose petals. Make sure that the roses are pesticide-free and have not been sprayed with any chemicals before pressing them into oil or using them in any other way.

Let’s Make Rose Water:

1. Harvest Your Petals: Choose organic, pesticide-free roses—these are the soul of your rose water. Gently rinse under cool water and pat dry.

2. Simmer: Add petals and 1 cup distilled water to your pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Do not boil! You’re coaxing the essence from the petals, not cooking them into oblivion.

3. Strain & Store: Let the mixture cool slightly, then strain through a cheesecloth into a glass jar or bottle. Add any optional ingredients here, then shake well.

4. Label & Chill: Pop your bottle in the fridge (short-term) or freezer (long-term). Label it with the date and use within a week for peak freshness.

Optional Ingredients

There are many optional ingredients that can be added to rose water to enhance its benefits or add a particular scent or flavor. Here are a few popular options:

Essential oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint, to give your rose water a unique scent and add therapeutic benefits. Rose water is often used as a face toner and aromatherapy tool, so it's best to use a high-quality essential oil that is natural and pure. A small amount goes a long way--use sparingly!

Witch hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help tighten and tone the skin, making it a popular addition to rose water toners.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it a great choice for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Lemon juice: A few drops of lemon juice can help brighten the skin and even out skin tone, making it a popular addition to facial toners.

Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin, making it a great addition to hydrating facial sprays.

These are just a few examples of optional ingredients that can be added to rose water. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find the combination that works best for you!

Ways to Use Your Rose Water:

• In the Kitchen: A splash in cake batter, a few drops in shortbread cookies, or stirred into your lemonade or sparkling water—rose water adds elegance wherever it lands.

• In Skincare: Use as a refreshing face mist, toner, or mixed with witch hazel, aloe vera, or glycerin for your own homemade beauty blends.

• In the Mood: Add a few drops to your bath or linens, or even wear it as a subtle, natural perfume.

• In the Moment: Garnish your dishes or drinks with fresh petals and a drizzle of rose water to make every moment feel like a celebration.

There’s something deeply romantic about taking roses—symbols of love and beauty—and turning them into something useful, nourishing, and soul-soothing. Rose water is elegance in a bottle, and making it yourself adds a whole other layer of joy.

So this rose season, don’t just stop and smell the roses—collect them, simmer them, bottle them up, and let their gentle magic bloom in your life.

❀ Live your best botanical life from the garden to the kitchen ❀

Happy cooking, with flowers!

Danielle Fischer