Rose Day 2026: Celebrating Roses in Food and Drink

Rose Day, celebrated on 7 February, marks the beginning of Valentine’s Week, but here at That’s Food and Drink, we’re less interested in grand gestures and more focused on how roses can be enjoyed where they really shine – in the kitchen and the glass.

Used carefully, rose brings a soft floral note that works beautifully in both sweet dishes and drinks.

From traditional Middle Eastern desserts to modern British baking, rose has long earned its place as a culinary ingredient rather than just a decorative one.

Using Roses in the Kitchen: A Quick Guide

Before you start, a few essential tips:

Always use culinary-grade roses or edible rose petals

Avoid florist roses – these are often chemically treated

Damask and centifolia roses offer the best flavour

Rose should be subtle – it enhances, never dominates

A light hand makes all the difference.

Rose-Inspired Recipes to Try at Home

Rose & Vanilla Shortbread

A refined twist on a classic British bake, perfect with tea.

Ingredients

225g unsalted butter, softened

110g caster sugar

275g plain flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp rose water

Method

Cream butter and sugar until pale

Mix in vanilla and rose water

Fold in flour to form a dough

Roll, cut, and chill for 20 minutes

Bake at 170°C (fan) for 15–18 minutes

Finish with a light dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or white chocolate

Rose, Raspberry & White Chocolate Loaf

Rose and raspberry are a natural pairing. Use ½ teaspoon of rose water in the batter to gently lift the sweetness without overpowering the cake.

Rose-Infused Honey

Ideal for cheeseboards, breakfasts, and desserts.

Gently warm 250g runny honey with a small handful of dried edible rose petals. Leave to infuse for 24 hours, then strain.

Try it with:

Soft cheeses

Greek yoghurt

Fresh berries or sliced pears

Drinks with a Floral Touch

Rose Lemonade

Light, refreshing, and perfect for non-alcoholic celebrations.

Mix:

Fresh lemonade

½ tsp rose syrup or rose water

A squeeze of lemon

Serve over ice with edible petals or a slice of lemon.

Rose & Gin Fizz

A simple cocktail with an elegant edge.

50ml gin

15ml rose syrup

Fresh lemon juice

Top with prosecco or soda

Serve chilled in a coupe or flute.

Rose & Cardamom Tea

A calming option for a quieter Rose Day.

Steep black or green tea with:

A pinch of crushed cardamom

A few dried rose petals

Sweeten lightly with honey.

Styling a Rose Day Spread

Food tastes better when it looks inviting:

Scatter a few edible petals along the table

Use pale pinks, creams, and soft neutrals

Keep decorations minimal – roses speak for themselves

This is about atmosphere, not excess.

Why Roses Belong in Food and Drink

Roses bring more than flavour:

They pair beautifully with citrus, berries, chocolate, and spices

They encourage slower, more mindful eating

They turn everyday recipes into something that feels special

For Rose Day 2026, that sense of calm indulgence feels particularly fitting.

Final Sip

You don’t need an elaborate menu or a restaurant booking to mark Rose Day. A rose-scented bake, a floral drink, or even a simple cup of tea can be enough to make the day feel considered and quietly celebratory.

At That’s Food and Drink, we think roses deserve a place on the plate as well as in the vase.