Name: Rose Milk with Homemade Rose Syrup
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 d 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Recipes with herbs
Ingredients: 1 cup whole Milk; 3 tablespoons rose syrup; 5 drops Rose Essence (optional); 1 tablespoon rose water (optional); 2 cups fresh or dried rose petals; 480 ml (2 cups) boiled water which you cool before use; 2 lemons, preferably unwaxed; 400 g (2 cups) cane sugar; 30 g (1 oz) citric acid (optional); 1 teaspoon beetroot powder (optional) to add color

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This rose milk is a refreshing summer drink made of sweet and floral rose syrup and chilled milk. Find four ways to customize this rose milk recipe to make it delicious for any occasion.

While rose milk is not typically sold in European grocery stores, it is common in the Middle East. When we lived in Dubai, my children enjoyed drinking rose milk, and they even had the option to choose between cow or camel milk. Upon returning to Europe, there was no choice but to make this traditional drink at home.

Roses are one of my favorite flowers, and I create homemade cosmetics such as rose cream, toner, rose soap, or even rose lip balm and incorporate them into rose ice cream, cookies or chocolate. The unique rose flavor is also excellent in tea or jam. This time, however, we will use them to make this rose milk.

What is rose milk?

Rose milk is a rose-flavored refreshing drink made with chilled milk and rose syrup. Rose syrup, made of steeping rose petals in water, adds a typical rose flavor and color. If opting for rose water or rose extract instead of rose syrup, you’ll need to incorporate a sweetener and food color to attain the same taste and pink color. Known for its unique sweet and floral notes, rose milk is a popular refreshing beverage in the Middle East and India to beat the summer heat.

Why you will love this recipe?

The combination of chilled milk and rose syrup creates a refreshing and uniquely floral taste.
Edible rose petals are naturally uplifting. They contain plant-based flavonoids that have anti-stress and anti-depressant properties. In addition, they are also rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus drinking it may help to soothe a sore throat and ease digestive issues.
Kids love it, so if you have difficulties convincing your child to drink milk, This rose alternative is the way to go.
Easy to make at home a versatile drink with many options, from vegan options, to milkshakes or rose Sabja.
The pink hue made this beverage visually appealing and suitable for various occasions.

Rose Milk Ingredients

Rose syrup

Homemade Rose syrup or rose cordial is rose concentrate typically made with fresh or dried rose petals, water, sugar, and lemon to balance the sweet flavor. One can replace water with rosewater to boost the floral flavor and aroma of roses.

The right selection of rose blossoms will affect the final syrup’s scent, taste, and color. Thus, choosing petals free of any chemicals is essential, preferably from your garden. Remove any damaged petals and insects before using them in the recipe. If you want your syrup to be red in color, use red rose petals. While some people add pink food colour I prefer to use beetroot powder to add a red or pink color boost. I used beetroot powder to achieve a pink hue when making this pink latte and was pleasantly surprised that the earthy flavor of beet was not noticeable.

While it is easy to whip up a batch of sugar syrup at home, you can also use store bought rose syrup.

Milk

With milk being a key ingredient, you can customize your drink to suit your preferences, whether opting for vegan alternatives or choosing different types such as goat, cow, or more authentic Middle Eastern camel milk.

In Asia, people prefer to boil and cool the milk for the best taste.

Rose Essence or rose water (optional)

You can use rose water to replace regular water when making rose milk syrup. Alternatively, add a splash of rose water for a pure and subtle floral infusion. For those seeking an extra layer of complexity, choose rose essence. Rose essence is more concentrated than rose water, so a little goes a long way.

How to make Rose milk

Start by making the syrup; the exact quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial.

First step: start with homemade Rose Syrup recipe

To make rose syrup, grate the zest from two organic lemons. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil, add sweetener, and do not keep stirring after the syrup dissolves. No need to get perfect one string consistency. Add roses, lemon slices, and citric acid if using, along with beetroot powder if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil, remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let the syrup infuse for at least 24 hours. Afterward, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the petals and citrus. Finally, bottle the cordial into sterilized glass bottles, seal them, and transfer them to the fridge.

Second step: Prepare Rose Milk

Pour cold milk into a glass. Add syrup; for 1 cup of rose milk, you will need 2-3 tablespoons. Adjust the taste. Add more simple syrup to sweeten or a few drops of rose essence for an extra rose kick.

Third step: Serve

Add a few ice cubes and serve rose milk immediately. Optionally decorate with a sprinkle of rose petals. Enjoy!

Tips to make the best milk with rose syrup

Don’t use low-fat milk; use full cream milk or whole milk for perfect taste.
This beverage tastes great only when served chilled. So add ice cubes and cooled milk.
Don’t use artificial colorant, if needed, use one teaspoon of beetroot powder instead.

Rose milkshake variations

It is a versatile beverage that has endless variations. Use your fantasy, and you will enjoy this super easy to make drink to quench your thirst.

1. Make rose milkshake

You can easily turn this it into a delightful rose milk shake. Use a blender or shaker to blend it with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream until smooth and frothy. For an extra touch, add a handful of ice cubes and one teaspoon of vanilla bean paste before blending for an extra vanilla kick.

2. Sabja Rose Milk recipe

Sabja seeds are known for their cooling properties in Ayurveda and are great summer coolers that help reduce body heat. To transform it into Sabja Rose Milk, soak one teaspoon of sabja seeds in water until they become gelatinous, typically for 15-20 minutes. Combine the soaked sabja seeds with chilled rose milk, add a desired sweetener, and mix well.

3. Rose Lassi

Combine chilled yogurt, rose syrup, a splash of rose water in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Optionally, add ice cubes. This Rose Lassi offers a delightful blend of the tanginess of yogurt with the floral notes of rose.

4. Rose Milk tea

To craft a delicious Rose Milk Tea, start by brewing a cup of black tea and allowing it to cool. Mix chilled milk with simple syrup in a separate container, stir well, and combine with the cooled tea. Adjust sweetness to taste, and add ice if desired.

How to store rose milk with homemade rose syrup?

This beverage is perfect for summer and best served immediately. However, you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep it in a glass jar with a lid or a sealed pitcher.

More Summer Drinks

Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

Refreshing Lemon Cinnamon Water

Refreshing Peach water

Kiwi Juice

Cucumber Lemon Ginger Water

Yield: 1.2 l (5 cups, 40 ounces)