Discover how to make rose infused honey at home with this simple, elegant recipe that transforms ordinary honey into a luxurious floral ingredient perfect for cocktails, desserts, and gourmet cooking. This rose petal honey infusion captures delicate floral flavors and adds sophisticated sweetness to your favorite recipes, from our signature Sweetheart Martini to baked goods and beyond.
What Is Rose Infused Honey?
Rose infused honey is a delightful culinary ingredient created by steeping edible rose petals in raw honey, allowing the honey to absorb the gentle floral essence and subtle fragrance of roses. Unlike artificially flavored products, this natural infusion process preserves honey's golden sweetness while adding layers of delicate rose flavor that elevates both sweet and savory dishes.
The infusion method is remarkably simple—organic dried rose petals are completely submerged in honey and allowed to steep for several days to weeks. During this time, the honey draws out the aromatic compounds from the petals, creating a beautifully complex ingredient that works wonderfully in cocktails like our Sweetheart Martini, drizzled over desserts, stirred into tea, or used as an elegant glaze for baked goods.
Our rose honey infusion was inspired by a luxurious hotel experience in France, where this exquisite ingredient appeared in signature cocktails and gourmet dishes. Now you can recreate this sophisticated flavor at home with just three ingredients: quality raw honey, organic rose petals, and a sterilized glass jar.
Why Use Organic Rose Petals for Your Rose Honey?
When making rose infused honey, ingredient quality is paramount for both safety and flavor. Using organic rose petals ensures your honey infusion remains free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, and chemical treatments commonly used on commercially grown roses.
Safety First: The Importance of Pesticide-Free Petals
Commercially grown roses—especially those from florists—are often heavily treated with chemicals you absolutely don't want to ingest. These pesticides can leach into your honey during the infusion process, potentially contaminating the entire batch. Organic certification guarantees that petals have been grown without synthetic chemicals, making them safe for culinary use.
Beyond safety, organic rose petals typically offer more intense fragrance and richer flavor profiles compared to conventional varieties. The natural growing methods allow roses to develop their full aromatic potential, resulting in a more vibrant, beautifully scented infusion.
Where to Find Organic Rose Petals
Online Sources: Don't have access to a rose garden? No problem! Several reputable online retailers specialize in organic, food-grade dried rose petals perfect for honey infusions. When purchasing online, always verify that products are labeled "organic," "food-grade," and "edible." Check customer reviews and look for certifications that confirm the petals meet food safety standards.
Growing Your Own: For the ultimate control over quality, consider growing your own organic roses. Select rose varieties known for strong fragrance—old garden roses, damask roses, and rugosa roses work exceptionally well for culinary applications. Maintain your plants using organic methods only, avoiding any chemical treatments. When blooms appear, harvest petals in the morning after dew has dried, gently rinse them, and either use fresh or lay them out to dry on clean screens in a well-ventilated area.
The Perfect Honey for Rose Infusions
Choosing the right honey base significantly impacts your final product's flavor profile and quality. For rose infused honey, we recommend starting with raw, unfiltered honey from a trusted source.
Why Raw Honey Works Best
Raw honey retains all its natural enzymes, subtle flavor notes, and smooth texture that processed honey lacks. When gently warmed to a syrup-like consistency for better petal infusion, raw honey maintains its character while becoming fluid enough to fully coat and extract flavor from the rose petals. Our Spring Honey from Kara's Chesterhaven farm in Maryland offers a delicate floral baseline that complements rose petals beautifully without overpowering their subtle essence.
Honey Varietal Recommendations
Different honey varietals bring unique characteristics to rose infusions:
- Spring Honey or Wildflower Honey: Light, floral notes that harmonize with roses
- Blueberry Honey: Adds fruity sweetness with berry undertones—our top choice for the Sweetheart Martini
- Alfalfa Honey: Mild and buttery, allowing rose flavors to shine
- Orange Blossom Honey: Creates interesting citrus-floral complexity
Spring Honey from Kara's Chesterhaven farm in Maryland would make this recipe delicious!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Rose Infused Honey
This simple recipe yields approximately 8 servings of beautifully fragrant rose honey perfect for cocktails, baking, and culinary creations.
Ingredients:
- 30 pieces organic dried rose petals (completely dry)
- ½ cup Bee Inspired raw honey (any varietal—see recommendations above)
- Sterilized glass jar with tight-fitting lid
Essential Equipment:
- Clean glass jar (8-ounce mason jar works perfectly)
- Wooden spoon or chopstick for stirring
- Small saucepan (optional, for warming honey)
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for removing petals after infusion)
Detailed Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Start with a completely clean, sterilized glass jar. Any moisture or contamination can cause spoilage, so ensure your jar is thoroughly dry. Wash your hands well and have all ingredients ready before beginning.
2. Inspect and Prepare Rose Petals
Before starting your infusion, check dried rose petals carefully for any insects. If you're concerned about potential bugs, place petals in a sealed plastic bag and freeze for 24 hours to eliminate any unwanted visitors. Allow petals to thaw completely and ensure they're thoroughly dry before use—any moisture can cause mold growth in your honey.
3. Layer Petals and Honey
Place your first layer of dried rose petals in the bottom of your sterilized jar. Pour honey over the petals until they're completely covered. For easier infusion, you can gently warm your honey in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches a pourable, syrup-like consistency (keep temperature below 95°F to preserve raw honey's natural properties).
Add more rose petals in layers, covering each layer completely with honey. Use your wooden spoon or chopstick to gently stir and eliminate air bubbles, ensuring all petals remain fully submerged beneath the honey's surface.
4. Ensure Complete Coverage
This step is critical: rose petals must stay completely covered with honey throughout the infusion process. Exposed petals can oxidize, develop mold, or spoil your entire batch. If needed, add additional honey to maintain full coverage. Fill your jar almost to the top, leaving only about ½ inch of headspace.
5. Seal and Steep
Close your jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight. Allow the honey to infuse for a minimum of 3-5 days before using, though 1-2 weeks produces richer, more developed flavor. For the most intense rose essence, steep for up to one month.
During the infusion period, gently turn the jar upside down every few days to redistribute petals and ensure even flavor extraction. You'll notice the honey gradually taking on a deeper color and more pronounced floral aroma as days pass.
6. Strain or Serve
After your desired infusion time, you have two options:
Strain the Petals: For smooth, petal-free honey, warm your jar gently in a pot of hot water (not boiling) for easier pouring. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar, pressing gently on petals to extract every drop of infused honey. The remaining petals will be sticky and honey-coated—don't discard them! These make wonderful additions to tea or can be used in baking.
Leave Petals In: For rustic presentation and continued flavor development, leave rose petals in the honey. This creates a beautiful visual effect perfect for gifting and adds delicate texture when spooned onto desserts or into beverages.
Creative Ways to Use Rose Infused Honey
Once you've mastered making rose honey, endless culinary possibilities await. This versatile ingredient elevates both simple and sophisticated recipes with its elegant floral character.
Cocktails and Beverages
Sweetheart Martini: Our signature Valentine's cocktail features rose infused honey as its star ingredient, combining vodka, the honey infusion, and fresh lemon juice for a romantic, floral drink that's become a customer favorite.
Floral Tea Enhancement: Stir a spoonful into hot tea—Earl Grey, green tea, or herbal blends all pair beautifully with rose honey's delicate flavor. The infusion adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth without overwhelming the tea's character.
Lemonade and Sparkling Water: Create elegant refreshments by mixing rose honey into fresh lemonade or sparkling water. For special occasions, try our Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade recipe sweetened with rose honey instead of regular honey.
Coffee Creations: Add a teaspoon to lattes or cold brew for subtle floral notes that complement coffee's richness. Rose honey creates interesting flavor complexity in espresso drinks without tasting overly sweet.
Baking and Desserts
Honey Cakes and Cupcakes: Substitute rose infused honey in any honey cake recipe for floral-scented treats. The infusion works particularly well in vanilla or lemon-based cakes, adding sophisticated depth to simple batters.
Glaze for Baked Goods: Create a stunning glaze by mixing rose honey with a small amount of hot water or lemon juice. Brush over warm cakes, scones, or donuts for beautiful shine and delicate flavor. This technique works wonderfully on our Honey Coffee Cake.
Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle rose honey over vanilla ice cream, honey ice cream, or fresh fruit for an elegant dessert that requires no cooking. The floral notes complement creamy dairy beautifully.
Cookie Enhancement: Use rose infused honey in place of regular honey in cookie recipes like our Honey Ginger Cookies for subtle floral undertones that make ordinary cookies extraordinary.
Savory Applications
Salad Dressings: Whisk rose honey into vinaigrettes for salads featuring fruit, nuts, or goat cheese. The floral sweetness balances acidic vinegars while adding complexity. Try it in our Simple Salad Dressing recipe.
Cheese Board Accent: Serve rose honey alongside aged cheeses, particularly blue cheese, brie, or aged cheddar. The sweet-floral contrast creates memorable flavor combinations on charcuterie boards.
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash just before serving. Rose honey's floral notes complement caramelized vegetables without overwhelming their natural flavors.
Glaze for Proteins: Brush onto chicken, pork, or salmon during the last few minutes of cooking for a beautiful, slightly sweet glaze with subtle floral notes.
The Spring Awakening Experience Set includes all of our best-selling rose products
Adapting Your Rose Infused Honey Recipe
Part of the joy of honey infusions lies in experimentation and customization. Once you've mastered the basic rose honey technique, try these creative variations:
Mixed Floral Infusions
- Lavender-Rose Honey: Combine dried rose petals with a small amount of culinary lavender for a more herbaceous, aromatic infusion perfect for baking
- Chamomile-Rose: Add dried chamomile flowers for a calming, tea-like quality that works beautifully in evening beverages
- Rose and Rose Hips: Include dried rose hips along with petals for additional vitamin C content and slightly tart undertones
Herbal Combinations
- Rose-Basil Honey: Fresh or dried basil adds surprising savory complexity that works well in both sweet and savory applications
- Rose-Mint Honey: A few fresh mint leaves create refreshing infusions perfect for summer beverages
Honey Varietal Experiments
Try making separate batches with different honey varietals to discover which combinations you prefer. Darker honeys like Buckwheat create more robust, earthy-floral profiles, while lighter varietals like Acacia produce delicate, refined infusions.
Proper Storage for Rose Infused Honey
To maintain your rose honey's quality and prevent spoilage, follow these storage guidelines:
Storage Location: Keep your infused honey in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A pantry or cupboard works perfectly—avoid storing near the stove or in sunny windowsills.
Container Requirements: Always use glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Glass doesn't absorb flavors or odors and provides an airtight seal that prevents moisture from entering. Make sure lids are clean and dry before sealing.
Shelf Life: Properly stored rose infused honey can last for many months—even up to a year. Honey's natural preservative properties prevent bacterial growth when kept sealed and dry. However, if you notice any signs of fermentation (bubbling, off-smells), mold, or unusual appearance, discard the batch.
Crystallization: Like all raw honey, your rose infusion may crystallize over time, especially in cooler temperatures. This is completely normal and doesn't indicate spoilage. To return honey to liquid form, gently warm the jar in a pot of hot water (not boiling) until crystals dissolve.
Use Blueberry Honey for sweeter taste
Gift-Giving with Rose Infused Honey
Rose infused honey makes an exceptionally thoughtful, handcrafted gift perfect for multiple occasions throughout the year.
Presentation Ideas:
- Package in decorative glass jars with custom labels listing ingredients and infusion date
- Pair with a honey dipper and recipe card featuring cocktail or dessert suggestions
- Create gift sets combining rose honey with our Rose Garden Collection products
- Bundle with artisanal tea for a complete "tea and honey" gift experience
Perfect Occasions:
- Valentine's Day gifts for romantic partners or galentine celebrations
- Mother's Day presents for moms who appreciate handmade, gourmet items
- Wedding favors providing guests with unique, locally-inspired keepsakes
- Holiday hostess gifts that stand out from typical wine or chocolates
- "Just because" treats for friends who love cooking and baking
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Infused Honey
Q: Can I use fresh rose petals instead of dried?
A: While fresh petals can be used, they introduce moisture that may cause fermentation or mold growth in your honey. If using fresh petals, ensure they're completely dry after washing—any water droplets can spoil your batch. For best results and longer shelf life, we strongly recommend using completely dried organic rose petals.
Q: How long does the infusion process take?
A: Minimum infusion time is 3-5 days, but flavor continues developing for weeks. For subtle rose essence, taste after one week. For more pronounced floral notes, allow 2-4 weeks. Some people prefer letting their honey infuse for a full month for the most intense flavor.
Q: Should I strain out the rose petals before using?
A: This is entirely a matter of personal preference! Straining creates smooth, petal-free honey ideal for cocktails and baking where texture matters. Leaving petals in provides rustic visual appeal and allows flavor to continue developing. Some people enjoy the delicate texture petals add when spooned over yogurt or oatmeal.
Q: Does rose infused honey need to be refrigerated?
A: No refrigeration is necessary. Store your rose honey in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard. Honey's natural preservative properties prevent spoilage when properly stored in an airtight container. Refrigeration can actually accelerate crystallization, though this doesn't affect quality or safety.
Q: Can I make rose honey syrup for easier mixing in cocktails?
A: Absolutely! You're essentially making honey syrup as described in our How to Make Honey Syrup guide. To create a thinner consistency that mixes more easily into cold beverages, warm your infused honey gently and add equal parts warm water, stirring until fully combined. This honey syrup blends seamlessly into cocktails without clumping.
Q: What's the best rose variety for infusions?
A: Fragrant varieties work best: old garden roses, damask roses, rugosa roses, and Persian roses all offer strong aromatic qualities. Wild roses also create beautiful infusions. Avoid modern hybrid tea roses bred primarily for appearance—they often lack the fragrance needed for flavorful infusions.
Q: Can I make this infusion with other honeys besides raw honey?
A: While you can technically use any honey, raw honey provides the best flavor, texture, and natural properties for infusions. Processed honey has been heat-treated, which destroys beneficial enzymes and can alter flavor profiles. For the highest quality rose infused honey, always choose raw, unfiltered varieties from trusted sources.
Explore More Honey Infusion Recipes
Now that you've mastered rose infused honey, explore more flavored honey possibilities:
- Create Lavender Honey using the same technique with dried lavender buds
- Try herb-infused honey variations with rosemary, thyme, or basil
- Make seasonal infusions with cinnamon, vanilla, or citrus peels
- Experiment with our complete collection of Honey Recipes for inspiration
Rose Garden Collection: Complete Your Rose Experience
Love the elegant floral essence of roses? Our Rose Garden Collection features some of Bee Inspired's most popular products, all celebrating the timeless beauty and sophisticated scent of roses:
- Spring Awakening Experience Set: Includes our bestselling rose-scented body care products
- Rose Garden Body Butter: Luxurious moisture with delicate rose fragrance
- Rose Garden Candles: Fill your home with the gentle scent of fresh roses
Each product in our Rose Garden Collection captures the same elegant, natural rose essence you've created in your honey infusion, extending the rose experience throughout your self-care routine and home environment.
Share Your Rose Infused Honey Creations
We'd love to see how you're using rose infused honey in your kitchen! Share photos of your creations on Instagram and tag @beeinspiredgoods so we can celebrate your culinary adventures. Whether you're mixing Sweetheart Martinis, drizzling honey over desserts, or creating your own unique recipes, we're here for it all.
Ready to start your rose honey infusion? Shop our complete collection of Eastern Shore Honey varieties to find the perfect base for your floral creation. Each honey brings unique characteristics that pair beautifully with delicate rose petals, allowing you to customize your infusion to match your taste preferences perfectly.
