Rose Simple Syrup

If you don’t enjoy the smell of roses, don’t count out this rose simple syrup just yet. I myself used to hate all things rose. My distrust of rose fragrance runs far back to my elementary days. All the way back to my 3rd-grade year, to be exact. My family, seeking to support another friend by way of a school fundraiser, bought a rose-scented pillar candle. And when I say scented I mean SCENTED. That thing was FRAGRANT, unnaturally so. None of us could stand the smell, so my mom came up with a brilliant, selfless idea: we can give the candle to my teacher.

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I’ll never forget giving it to her. I could practically SEE the pink fumes spiraling up out of the tissue paper. As any teacher would, she thanked me profusely and plastered a smile on her face while she put the candle on display on top of her filing cabinet. Moments later, Michael J. came in the room and– between gags and coughs– he was able to squeeze out the words “Mrs. Lawrence, what is that SMELL?” I couldn’t help but laugh then and I still laugh thinking about it to this day.

Fear not, this rose simple syrup won’t emit any fumes or knock out anyone who wanders into the kitchen when you’re making it. If you’re a little afraid of a heavy rose flavor, skip the rosewater and use only the rose petals. It’ll be delicate, adding only a hint of floral essence in your cocktail.

If you want more of a pink hue to your syrup, consider adding a pinch of beet powder. (You might have some on hand if you’ve made my beet simple syrup). Without the beet powder, the syrup will have a slight purple-gray tint to it, which is totally fine. I just wanted it to look a little more pink so it would add some color to my Rose Darling. You can see the difference in color in the two photos below.

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As I have mentioned in my other simple syrup posts, I prefer to make small batches when crafting flavored simple syrups. I typically don’t use a lot and don’t want to waste any before I’m able to use it up.

The Ingredients for Rose Simple Syrup

• 2 Tablespoons dried rose petals (pleeease make sure you are using food grade petals)
• 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon rosewater

How to Make Rose Simple Syrup

Boil the rose petals in the water on the stove for 1-2 minutes. You’re essentially making rose tea. There won’t be much water in the pot so be careful to make sure the petals don’t scorch. Strain the liquid and discard the petals. Pour the rose tea back into your saucepan and add the extra tablespoon of water. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Remove from heat and add the rosewater & stir again. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the fridge. It should keep for a month.

Interesting in making other simple syrups? Check out these recipes:

• cardamom simple syrup
• matcha simple syrup
• honey simple syrup
• beet simple syrup
• lavender simple syrup