How to Make Rose Water from Rose Petals

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Rose water has a variety of benefits, from beauty to wellness. Use it as a natural skin toner, in a bath, or in your tea! We’re teaching you how to make your own!

Two bottles of rose water with pink roses in the back - homemade rose water

The flower is packed with nutrients and has been widely used for thousands of years for its healing powers.

pink roses - homemade rose water

Apart from our favorite rose water gin cocktail, this rose water recipe is fairly easy to make, especially if you happen to have any roses growing in your yard!

Use this infographic as an easy guide for how to make your own.

rose petals - dried rose petals

How to Make Rose Water in Two Way

Rose Water Hydrosol

There are two methods you can use to make rose water. The first technique we’re sharing is a rose water hydrosol. This technique makes a small about of water from condensation. It’s much more time-consuming but will last 6 months.

Chart with text on how to make rose water - dried rose petals

Supplies

  • Fresh Rose Petals
  • Distilled Water
  • Medium Pot with Lid
  • Ice Cubes (about 6-10 cups)

Directions

Small bowl in the middle of a larger pot - own rose water
  • In a large pot, add a small bowl in the center. This is the bowl that will collect your distilled rose water.
  • When picking out a pot and a bowl, the bowl inside must be lower than the pot but not too low. The water from the pot’s lid will drop down into the bowl, so envision that when picking out a pot and bowl.

Also, make sure the bowl in the center is heatproof.

Pouring distilled water into a pot with rose petals and a white bowl in the middle. - spray bottle
  • Place the rose petals around the bowl. Leave the bowl empty and clean.
  • Pour distilled water over the rose petals, again leaving the bowl in the center empty. Pour water into the pot until the rose petals are just covered.
Pot with the lid upside down and ice on the top to make condensation. - flower petals
  • Once the water comes to a boil, turn it to a simmer and cover the pot with the lid upside down. You want to create a bowl on the top to put ice.
  • Add the ice to the lid to create condensation. The water will drip into the small bowl in the middle of the pot, which is your rose water.
Bowl of water next to a pot of water. - rose water at home
  • You have to constantly use a turkey baster to remove the melted ice cube water on the lid of the pan. As soon as it melts, you want to remove the water so keep a small bowl near to put it in.
Close up of ice melting on an overturned lid on a pot for making rose water - rose water at home
  • Then, slowly continue adding ice as it melts. You’ll use about 6-8 cups of ice. Leave a bag or bowl filled with ice close to continue adding more to the lid.
  • Once you have used all of the ice, turn the heat off but leave the pot and lid to sit until it cools.

The condensation inside the pot will continue to produce rose water until it’s completely cooled.

Bowl of rose water with pink rose petals. - natural rose water
  • Once it’s completely cooled, it’s finished. Then, lift the lid and see the rose water inside the small bowl in the center!
Measuring cup with rose water. - organic roses
  • Using a funnel, pour it into a small bottle with a lid to keep it.
Pouring rose water into a funnel. - rose tea
Small bottle of rose water on a table with rose petals. - fresh roses
  • You can see that this method produces clear water since the actual rose petals never touch the rose water. The simmering method will always vary depending on the color of the roses used in the recipe.

Simmering Rose Petals

This method is much easier and good for food recipes or cocktails. It has a shorter shelf life but is a quick way to make potent rose water.

Rose petals torn off the stems on a marble table - how much rose water

Supplies

  • Fresh Rose Petals
  • Distilled Water
  • Large Pot
  • Strainer
  • Funnel and Bottle
Rose petals in a All-Clad pot. - fresh petals

Directions

  • Add 3-4 cups of rose petals into a pot.
  • Pour distilled water over the top. Cover the rose petals about 1″ with water.
Pouring distilled water into a pot of rose petals - benefits of rose water
  • Bring the water to a soft boil and then simmer low for 25 minutes.
Rose petals simmering in a pot with distilled water - steeping rose petals
  • Strain over a bowl and then discard the rose petals.
  • Use a funnel to pour the water into a bottle with a lid.
Bottle of rose water in a glass with a gold spout- nut milk bag

What is rose water good for?

It’s great for the skin, to add to cocktails, room sprays, and to drink! It contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as antioxidants.

Have you ever tried adding it to your favorite candy? You can’t go wrong with these beautiful homemade rose lollipops!

Can I use rose water daily?

Yes, you can. It works to maintain the skin’s pH balance. It has antibacterial properties, and you can use it for your daily skincare routine.

Furthermore, there are many other ways you can use it too. Here are a few below:

  • Add it to a spray bottle and use it as a room or pillow spray.
  • Use it as an antiseptic for cuts and scrapes, as it helps heal wounds faster.
Rose water on a marble table - rose essential oil

Does Rosewater expire?

It does expire. You will have a longer life if you use distilled water when making it. The Hydrosol method can last up to 6 months. If using tap water, it will shorten the life.

Does rosewater need to be refrigerated?

Store it in a cool, dry place. It does not need to be refrigerated. Store it in a glass bottle with a tight lid.

Close up photo of a pink rose - distilling rose petals

More Charming Projects and Ideas!

Sugar and Charm’s Edible Flower Guide

A Romantic Gin and Flower Bar

Potted Edible Flower Garden

How to Make Natural Pink Ice Cubes

How to Care for Cut Tulips

Green Apple Bath Bombs

Wrapping Up…

Rose water is a powerhouse when it comes to natural skincare and wellness. It’s been used for centuries for its healing properties, and with good reason! 

Not only does rose water smell amazing, but it’s packed full of nutrients that are great for your skin and your overall health. 

Have you tried making your rose water? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Let us know if you make this rose water by leaving a comment and review below!

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