Rosewater is a product of the distillation of rose petals. The raw distillate of rose petals is really a layer of oil known as rose attar that is typically used in perfumes floating on top of a water layer, which is the actual rosewater. Muslim chemists first commercialized rosewater production during their Golden Age, mainly for beverages and perfumes. Rosewater is also quite common in Persian and Indian cuisine.
To make rosewater, take a large pot, place a brick in the bottom of it, and place a smaller bowl on top of the brick. Add enough fresh, organic rose petals (most roses from flower shops are not appropriate) to reach the top of the brick, then add water just to cover. Place the lid on the pot upside down. Bring the pot to a simmer, reduce the heat to barely hold it there, and then add ice to the inverted lid. Water vapor containing rose essence will condense on the colder lid and drip into the smaller bowl. Check the rosewater from time to time, and stop the process when the liquid has a strong rose aroma and flavor. This rosewater can be preserved with a bit of vodka.
Where the aroma of the oil fraction of rose distillate is mainly beta-damascenone, beta-ionone, and rose oxide, rosewater has a honeyed/floral aroma and flavor due to a large amount of phenylethyl alcohol.
While rosewater has a wide range of uses in cocktails, it can quickly overpower other ingredients, with the result being a soapy aroma and flavor.
Rosewater is commonly found in Middle Eastern or Indian grocery stores.
Some popular cocktails containing Rose water
- Marseille, July 4th, 1895 — Byrrh, Demerara Rum, Gran Classico, Cherry Liqueur, Pelinkovac, Cognac, Bitters, Grenadine, Rose water, Lactart
- La Virgen — Reposado Tequila, Lime juice, Grenadine, Plum, Rose water
- Spiritland — Gin, Mezcal, Herbal liqueur, Cassis, Bianco Vermouth, Rose water
- Champagne Year — Champagne, Aromatized wine, Amaro Nonino, Peychaud's Bitters, Grapefruit juice, Marmalade, Rose water
- Gershwin — Gin, Lemon juice, Ginger syrup, Simple syrup, Rose water
- Pearl of Tangier — Gin, Absinthe, Bitters, Mint syrup, Lime juice, Rose water, Mint
- Juliet & Romeo — Gin, Bitters, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Rose water, Cucumber, Mint, Salt
- Guardian Angel — Amaro Montenegro, Jamaican rum, Lime juice, Orgeat, Rose water, Cucumber
- Voleur de Roses — Islay Scotch, Cherry Liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, Peychaud's Bitters, Rose water, Simple syrup
- Indian Summer Blues — Gin, Soda water, Lime juice, Agave syrup, Rose water, Cardamom