What can I substitute for rose water?
Running low on rose water? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About rose water
Rose water is a flavoured water made by steeping rose petals in water or collecting the condensate from steam distillation of rose petals. It imparts a delicate floral, lightly sweet fragrance to both sweet and savoury dishes and is widely used in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Persian cuisines. Its subtle perfumed quality makes it distinctive, though it can easily overpower a dish if used too generously.
Best substitute
orange blossom water
Orange blossom water is the closest floral substitute, offering a similarly delicate perfumed quality derived from distilled flower petals. It works seamlessly in most recipes calling for rose water, though the flavour is citrus-floral rather than rosy.
Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp of rose water
bakingdessertsdrinksMiddle Eastern dishesNot suitable for: recipes requiring distinct rose flavour
Alternative
rose extract
Rose extract is a highly concentrated flavouring made from rose petals and alcohol, delivering an intense rose flavour. Because it is much stronger than rose water, only a very small amount is needed to replicate the same floral note.
Use ¼ tsp for every 1 tsp of rose water
bakingdessertsfrostingsNot suitable for: drinks requiring diluted floral flavour
Alternative
vanilla extract
Vanilla extract provides a warm, sweet, floral-adjacent flavour that can stand in for rose water when no floral alternatives are available. It will not replicate the distinctive rose perfume but maintains aromatic depth in baked goods and desserts.
What is rose water called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | rose water |
| IN | gulab jal |
| United Kingdom | rosewater |
| United States | rose water |
Common names for rose water
rosewaterdistilled rose waterrose floral water