Homemade Rose Lemonade
Homemade Rose Lemonade (Sharbat) is the perfect balance between sweet floral rose syrup and tart lemonade. It is a pink, elegant, zero-proof drink that is perfect for hot days, brunch, bridal showers, and baby showers. One sip and you will understand why it has been popular for centuries in the Middle East and Persia!
Prep Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
5 Minutes
Servings
1 – 8 ounce serving
Why This Rose Lemonade Recipe
Quick Answers
What is the Difference Between Rose Water and Rose Syrup?
Rose water is a light and sugar-free liquid that is made by distilling rose petals. Rose syrup is thick and sweeter. I think of one as water and the other as a simple syrup. It is important to note that rose water has a stronger flavor and should not be used in equal proportions.
What is Rose Lemonade?
Rose lemonade combines fresh lemon juice and either rose syrup or rose water. You mix the two and pour it over ice. I like drinks on the sweeter side and with a light touch of floral flavor. For this reason, I prefer rose syrup. If you like a stronger flavor and less sweetness, rose water is a good alternative.
What Does Rose Lemonade Taste Like?
Rose lemonade tastes like a blend of tart and sweet with a slight floral finish. I recommend using a high-quality syrup or making it at home. Less expensive syrups tend to have an artificial, almost perfume-like, flavor
Rose Lemonade Combines Floral, Sweet, and Tart Perfectly
I first discovered Middle Eastern rose lemonade in college. There was a Middle Eastern restaurant I would go to with my friend Maha. I vividly remember sipping our pink lemonade, eating tabouli salad and hummus, while chatting on hot days.
Over the years, I tried to recreate the drink we loved. in college. I experimented with many different varieties of rose water and syrups before finally landing on Monin rose syrup.
This drink always takes me back to happy times. I hope it creates warm memories for you as well!
Ruth Grindeland
Key Ingredient Notes (Why They Matter!)
Rose Syrup
I love the sweetness that rose syrup brings to this drink! I prefer the Monin brand and feel it has the perfect floral and sweet balance. You can make it at home by steeping rose petals in simple syrup. If you want the flavor of rose, but not as sweet, substitute with rose water. You can typically find this in the cocktail section in your grocery or liquor store.
Lemonade
You can use store-bought lemonade or make it at home using lemons, sugar, and water. I love Stay at Home Chef’s lemonade recipe. It has the right amount of sweetness!
Garnishes
Every drink looks better with garnishes. Most mocktails or cocktails use three garnishes per drink. If you want to garnish, I recommend a thinly sliced lemon, edible rose petals, and rosemary. The look and flavors blend perfectly!
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it into a fun mocktail by adding a paper umbrella and lollypops, swizzle sticks.
- Create a Rosé wine drink by mixing a bottle of rosé wine with a cup and a half of lemonade. To make a sweeter drink, add simple syrup. (Equal parts water + sugar cooked over low heat until dissolved.)
- Create a cocktail by adding a shot of vodka to the 7 ounces of rose lemonade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cultural Notes
Rose lemonade has deep roots in Middle Eastern and Persian cultures for centuries. You can find rose in all kinds of recipes, from drinks to desserts. In Lebanese cooking, we are known for using rose water in our baklava. It gives it a lighter flavor!
How Did It Go?
I hope you loved this Middle Eastern rose lemonade recipe as much as I do! Before you go, please leave me a rating and let me know your thoughts on this recipe. Your feedback is valuable to other readers and me.
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Homemade Rose Lemonade
Equipment
- 1 glass
- 1 spoon to stir
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared lemonade
- ½ – 1 teaspoon rose syrup*
- Ice
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon slices
- Edible rose petals
- Fresh mint or rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the lemonade over the ice.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of rose syrup. Taste and add more rose syrup ½ teaspoon at a time.
Notes
- When using rose syrup, start light. Then adjust the amount of syrup in small increments until you find the balance that works for you.
- You can make your own rose syrup by adding rose water to simple syrup. To make simple syrup, gently heat ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid turns clear. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon rose water, to taste
- If you are using rose water instead of rose syrup, note that the flavor is stronger and can quickly overpower the lemonade. For this reason, I recommend starting with ⅛–¼ teaspoon per glass, and then adjust to your liking.
- This drink is best when chilled for 15-30 minutes. I recommend chilling the base and then pouring over the ice when you’re ready.
- If you want a sparkling version, replace up to half of the lemonade with chilled club soda. You can adjust the ratio to your personal preference.
