Roses are such a glorious flower and a favourite in my early summer garden! I love to make a delightful Rose Syrup with my Rosa Rugosa blooms. The pale pink syrup is a gentle uplifting remedy and best sipped from old fashioned cordial glasses (in my humble opinion ! tee hee)
For more about Rose Medicine, check out this post, with some 'Rose highlights' and instructions for tincture making. I also make Rose Vinegar every year, and here is more about that, here.
To make an herbal syrup, we are essentially, making a strong herb infusion, and combining it with honey. I infuse honey too, but that's a little different. In this case, we are creating a strong tea, and using honey instead of sugar, to create a syrupy 'sippable' drink, which can be enjoyed 'solo'. added to some bubbly water or champagne for a rose-infused cocktail, or drizzled over roasted chicken, or perhaps your favourite ice-cream or frozen dessert!
Rose Syrup:
I always use fresh roses. This is a guideline, more than a recipe. Here we go;
1 cup Rose petals
2 cups good quality water
Raw honey (½ cup - 1 cup)
Add the rose petals to the water, in a small saucepan.
Bring to a quick boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
Allow 'rose tea' to cool 'back' to room temperature.
Strain out the roses, reserving the liquid.
Pour 1 cup of 'rose tea' into a glass measuring cup.
Add ½ cup of raw honey and stir. Check the consistency.
Taste. Add more honey if you prefer a thicker syrup.
Pour into a sterilized glass jar with a lid or a decorative glass decanter with a stopper!
Optional: Add a little brandy, vodka, whisky or your preference to increase shelf life.
Personally, I make a small amount and share it and it's gone each year.
If I ever make enough to last longer, I would suggest adding the alcohol to allow it to 'live longer'!
Announcing: June's "giveaway" very soon!
ROSE 2012 Herb of the Year ~ fabulous 260 pages featuring ROSE as the star!
Stay tuned for details! You will want to enter for a chance to win!
Hélène
I cant imagine the cost of organic roses :(
Carol Little
I grow my own roses Helene, so this is not a consideration. I use them fresh, whenever possible. I have purchased in the past, and the cost varies. Often we don't need a lot, so this can help too.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Rose is so lovely! I bet this syrup is amazing.
Carol Little
It really is lovely Em. I hope you can find some roses and make a little!!
Dawn
I just love roses and this syrup seems so delicious!! I'm thinking I could add it to homemade ice cream and more. Thanks for sharing!
Carol Little
Absolutely. It will be a delight on ice cream.
Beth
You had me at champagne! I didn't know about the medicinal properties of roses. I love reading your site and learning about all of these natural remedies!
Carol Little
Thanks for your kind words..
Andrea Fabry
I never thought to incorporate the healing properties of roses this way! So simple!
Carol Little
Roses are a favourite in my apothecary ~ for the levels of healing they offer us!~
linda spiker
What a beautiful syrup!
Carol Little
It's delightful in every way!