How to Make Rose Tea

Co-authored by Rachel Cho

Last Updated: December 28, 2022 References Approved

Roses are perfect for every occasion, including afternoon tea. This is a light and gently flavored tea that will treat you to the sweet aroma of the rose garden.

Ingredients

Fresh Rose Petal Tea

1 to 2 cups of fresh, pesticide-free rose petals
3 cups of water
Honey or another sweetener, optional

Green Rose Tea

Dried rose petals - these are available from specialist tea stores; if you have the time, you can also dry your own rose petals - instructions below
Green powder tea
Honey, as sweetener, optional

Rose-Scented Tea

200g / 7 oz dried organic rose petals, highly scented
500g / 1 1/4 lb high quality black tea

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Fresh Rose Petal Tea

It is possible to make rose petal tea using just fresh rose petals.^{[1]
X
Research source} Be sure to choose petals that are organic.

1
Select pesticide-free petals.^{[2]
X
Research source} You'll need a good amount, at least 1 cup and preferably 2 cups. Clean the petals in a colander placed under running water.
2
Place the 1 to 2 cups rose petals in a saucepan filled with 3 cups of water.

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3
Boil for five minutes.^{[3]
X
Research source} Then strain and pour into cups or mugs.
4
Sweeten with honey or enjoy as it is.^{[4]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Green Rose Tea

1
Dry the rose petals. If you are not buying dried rose petals from a tea store, make your own.^{[5]
X
Research source} You will need to be certain that the variety of rose petals you grow are sweet tasting rather than bitter. If unsure, ask your local horticultural specialists for advice.
- Pick the rose petals and make sure they are free of dew.
- Half fill the net bag and close with an elastic.
- Hang the bag in a warm, dry and dark place to dry. This will take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the humidity of your environment.
- You can also spread petals out on top of a paper towel on a tray or large dish. Keep them in a dry area that has good air circulation.
2
Make the tea. Once the petals have dried, you can prepare the tea. Combine equal parts rose leaves and equal parts green powder tea.
3
Store in an airtight, opaque container suitable for tea.
4
Make a cup of tea following the instructions for the green powder tea. Add honey to sweeten if desired.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Rose-Scented Tea

1
Select a quality black tea of your liking. The roses will scent it but it must be a good tea to begin with, so that you enjoy the blend. You could also choose oolong tea, a blend of black and green, with their lovely, rich and fruity flavours.
2
Place the tea leaves and rose petals into a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- If wished, small dried rosebuds can be included for appearance. Ensure that these are organic too.
3
Transfer the mixture to suitable airtight containers. Label and date so that you remember when it was made and when it should be used by.
4
Leave for a few days for the rose petals to begin imparting a little flavour. Most of the flavour will come out with the hot water when the tea is made though, so there's no need to wait too long.
5
Make the rose tea as for the instructions accompanying the black tea used as the base. The tea will be gently scented with the added rose petals.

Community Q&A

Question

How do you dry roses?

Community Answer

Tie them together and hang them upside down for a few weeks.
Question

What are the health benefits of rose petal tea?

Community Answer

Rose petal tea has vitamin C, which is good for the body. It is calming and serves as a healthy alternative to sugar-filled beverages.
Question

Can I make rose oil out of red rose tea?

Jennifer M Gardner-habicht

Community Answer

No, the oil has to come directly out of the rose petals by you physically squeezing the petals. If you use just the tea, you won’t be getting the full benefits like you would by squeezing the petals.