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.