Food is such an important part of my life that when we decided to adopt a son from Ethiopia we thought it would be a good idea to try out the cuisine. Most everything on the menu was not something I was familiar with so there were lots of new things to try. One item that I was most intrigued by was the Rose Water Lemonade. I had to try it.

From the moment I drank it I thought, “hmm not that different” and then I caught the hint of rose. A sweet fragrance filled my mouth and senses. It was like nothing I had ever had before and I was hooked.

Roses smell so wonderful but who knew they tasted great too.

You know how they say the reason you go back to a restaurant is because something hooks you in? That was this lemonade to me. However, in their defense, the Ethiopian food is some of the best I have ever had.

You can find rose water in specialty grocery stores. Generally it is in the middle eastern food section. I buy mine at Whole Foods. If you can’t find it in a store near you can find it on amazon.

Here’s the recipe:

6 cups water
2/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1-2 tbsp rosewater
2/3 cup sugar

Squeeze the lemons and pour the juice into your pitcher. Add the water, salt, and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

I personally like 2 tbsp of rosewater but if this is your first time to try it you may want to put in 1 tbsp and see how you like it.

Pour your rose water lemonade over a cup of ice and enjoy. It is important to serve it over ice otherwise it will be too strong. If you do not want to serve it over ice you will need to increase your water. If you have some paper straws use them with this recipe. It just makes the whole drink more special.

I have never made it with a lemonade from concentrate, but you could simply add the rose water to your favorite lemonade and have the same great taste.