Love the floral flavor of rose water but don’t want to spend the money on a bottle?
Or maybe you’re out of rose water and need a substitute stat?
Keep reading as I list the best substitutes for rose water that will give your dish or drink the same delicious flavor.
I’ll also provide instructions on how to use each substitute, so you can create amazing dishes without spending a fortune.
Substitutes for RoseWater
- Rose Essence
- Orange Water
- Lavender Essence
- Cinnamon
- Lemon Juice
- Vanilla Extract
- Jamaica Flower Water
Rose Essence
Rose essence is a highly concentrated form of rose water.
The two liquids are nearly an exact match when it comes to taste and smell. The ratio is 1 part rose essence in substitute of 4 parts rose water, so it’s easy to make up a batch as needed.
I like to use it in cakes and other desserts because the fruity fragrance really adds something special.
And best of all, it’s very affordable, so I can keep my kitchen stocked without breaking the bank.
So go ahead and use it freely – your secret’s safe with me!
Orange Water
Many people don’t know this, but you can actually substitute orange water for rose water in a lot of cases. It’s a great swap if you’re looking for a wallop of fruitiness without all the sweetness.
Plus, it goes great with meat, so it’s perfect for savory dishes.
Of course, you can’t just swap them out willy-nilly.
Orange water doesn’t have the same delicate flavor as rose water, so you need to use it more carefully.
But if you do it right, using a 1-to-1 ratio, you’ll get the same ferocity with a citrusy upshot that’s absolutely delicious.
So don’t be afraid to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Lavender Essence
Lavender essence can be used as a 1:1 substitute for rose water.
You’ll get similar results with a satisfying aroma and flowery flavor. It’s a great option for drinks and other dishes where you want to add a touch of sweetness.
While they are not identical, they provide great outcomes and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Plus, it’s easy to find lavender essence at most grocery stores.
Cinnamon
Any baking enthusiast worth their salt knows that cinnamon is an excellent way to add a touch of sweetness to pastries and other baked goods.
That’s right, this fragrant spice can be used as an excellent substitute for Rose Water, and it’s easy to find in any pantry.
Just use a 2 to 1 ratio of Rose Water to cinnamon, and enjoy the sweet taste of success!
This means you are to use only half the required amount for rosewater when substituting with cinnamon. So, if a recipe calls for two tablespoons of rose water, use only one tablespoon of cinnamon.
Lemon Juice
Looking to add a little zing to your dishes?
Lemon juice makes for a great replacement to rose water. Just remember to add sugar to balance out the sourness and invigorate the dish.
You’ll also want to use less than you would rose water, as lemon juice is less floral.
Lemon juice can be used as a marinade for chicken or fish. It also makes a great vinaigrette when combined with olive oil and vinegar.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use it to make limoncello!
Vanilla Extract
Let’s talk about one of my favorite substitutes, vanilla extract for rose water.
In most dishes that require rose water, no one will be able to tell the difference.
I like to use it in desserts where a hint of floral is needed but not an overwhelming flowery smell.
Moreover, vanilla extract is more intense, so I use a 2 to 1 ratio, rose water to vanilla substitute. That way there’s just a tinge of vanilla flavor but it’s not overbearing.
Trust me, your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills.
And if anyone asks, the secret ingredient is vanilla extract. Shh!
Jamaica Flower Water
Growing up, my mom would always tell me that a dish is only as good as its ingredients.
And when it comes to ingredient substitutes, Jamaica Flower water is a top-notch replacement for Rose Water.
This fragrant water is distilled from the flowers of the Jamaica hibiscus, and it has a similar flavor profile to rose water. When used in recipes, it can provide a pleasing whiff of floral sweetness that is sure to wow your diners.
Tropical desserts are a particularly good match for Jamaica flower water, but it can also be used to flavor savory dishes.
Again, these two have very similar flavors, so you can use them interchangeably in a 1:1 ratio.
Who knows, maybe Jamaica flower water will become your new go-to ingredient!
FAQ
Can I make rose water myself?
Yes, you can make rose water at home with just a few ingredients. All you need is fresh roses, distilled water, and glycerin.
Simply add the roses and distilled water to a pot and bring it to a boil. Then let it simmer for 30 minutes before adding the glycerin.
Once everything is combined, let it cool and transfer the mixture to a glass container.
And that’s it!
You now have homemade rose water that you can use in all your favorite recipes.
What are some other uses for rose water?
Rosewater has a multitude of uses beyond cooking. It can be used as a facial toner or added to your bath water for a relaxing experience.
Rosewater is also a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used to flavor desserts and drinks.
What is the best substitute for rose water in baking?
Cinnamon or vanilla extract are great substitutes for rose water in baking.
Can I use lavender essence instead of rose water?
Yes, you can use lavender essence as a substitute for rose water. They have similar flavors and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
In Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning about all the different substitutes for rose water.
Now that you know the ins and outs of replacing rose water go forth and enjoy the sweet taste of success! Experiment with different replacements and find the perfect one for your next dish.
Whether for your beverages, main course, or dessert, the best substitute for rose water is out there waiting to be discovered.
Happy cooking!