This is a refreshing summer drink recipe with a middle-eastern twist. Use rosewater instead of rosebuds, if you can’t find any.
Every time the weather gets hot and I ‘m waiting for some guests to arrive, I start to hear voices in my head. And no, we don’t have a history of mental illness in my family – at least not as far as I’m aware of – nor my apartment is being haunted – as far as I’ m aware of. I just hear those little voices whispering in my ear: “Do we have enough rosebud syrup lemonade in the fridge…? Will there be plenty for everybody…?” Of course, the questions change depending on the type of beverage I’ve chosen to make, so there are times when I get asked if we have enough sage and mastic chia fresca and other times when I just hear them malevolently say that I should have made an extra serving of this super foods detox smoothie, just to be on the safe side. Because the truth is that nobody is pleased with only a serving of these drinks!
Please don’t creep out, other than that I’m a pretty normal guy 🙂
In my mind, rosebuds and rosewater are closely related with middle-eastern food and recipes. I mean, is there any other cuisine which uses the flavor of the rose as frequently and as skillfully as middle-eastern cuisine does? Maybe that’s why every time someone sees a rosewater-scented cake or some rosewater cookies, his mind immediately travels to the Middle East and the exotic pleasures it holds. And of course, do I need to mention the most famous confection of all, the one called Turkish delights? These sweet little bites of heaven come in many different flavors like bergamot, orange, lemon, and mastic, but the most famous – and the most delicious may I say – is the rose-flavored one. So be sure to also check these Turkish delight filled cookies which I’m sure they’ll become a favorite!
This rosebud syrup lemonade has all the refreshing and bright taste of lemons with the mellow, sweet and sensual – dare I say – aftertaste of rose. And because the romantic feel is very strong in this beverage, I’ m pretty sure it will make a great drink for a hot, slow afternoon but most of all an ideal refreshment for a special occasion such as a wedding or an engagement party. Now, if you’re not interested in weddings and engagements and you can only think of your next dash to the sea, then bookmark this lemonade for another time and make this perfect tan smoothie instead. It will keep you hydrated, make your skin healthier, and intensify your tan, without having to spend much time under the sun 🙂
Some notes/tips:
Adjust sweetness to your liking by controling the quantity of the syrup
Rosebuds have more of a subtle and delicate rose flavor while rosewater is more pungent and intense. However, if you can’t find good quality dried rosebuds in your area use 2-3 tablespoons of rosewater.
Orange blossom water is another great option, though with a totally different character.
Use lemon zest in the syrup for extra lemon scent and zing!
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- For the syrup:
- 1½ cups white sugar
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 4 tablespoons dried rosebuds or 2-3 tablespoons rosewater
- The zest from 1 lemon
- For the lemonade:
- 2 cups syrup (or more to taste)
- 1 ¼ cups lemon juice from freshly squeezed lemons
- 4-5 cups cold water
- A lot of crushed ice for serving
- Put water and sugar into a pot and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add rosebuds (or rosewater) and lemon zest. Leave 10 minutes to steep and pass syrup through a fine sieve. Let it cool.
- In a large jug combine lemon juice, 2 cups syrup, and 4 cups cold water. Stir well and taste it. Add more syrup or water according to your preference.
- Serve with crushed ice.
- Drink!
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