How to Make Rose Petal Tea: Brewing Guide & 3 Easy Variations

Updated October 30, 2026 · By Khwan's Tea

Rose petal tea is simple to make, but a few details make the difference between a fragrant, delicate cup and a bitter one. Here's exactly how to brew it, plus three easy variations. For the background on taste and benefits, see our rose tea guide.

What you'll need

• Edible dried rose petals
• Fresh water, ideally filtered
• A teapot or cup with a lid, and a strainer
• Optional: honey, lemon, black tea

Classic rose petal tea

Per cup: 1 tablespoon (about 2 g) of rose petals · 250 ml (8 oz) water · 80–90°C (175–195°F) · 3–5 minutes

1. Warm your teapot or cup with a little hot water, then pour it out.
2. Add the rose petals.
3. Pour over water that's just below boiling. Let boiled water rest for about a minute.
4. Cover and steep for 3–5 minutes. Covering keeps in the fragrance.
5. Strain and add honey to taste.

Variation 1: Iced rose tea

1. Steep 2 tablespoons of petals in 250 ml of hot water for 5 minutes.
2. Strain and cool.
3. Pour over a glass full of ice, add a little honey syrup, and garnish with a few petals.

Variation 2: Rose black tea

1. Add 1 teaspoon of rose petals and 1 teaspoon of black tea (or one black tea bag) to a cup.
2. Pour over 250 ml of water at 90–95°C.
3. Steep for 3–4 minutes, then strain. Add milk if you like.

This blend contains caffeine from the black tea.

Variation 3: Rose tea with lemon

1. Brew classic rose tea.
2. Add a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey.

See our full rose tea with lemon recipe.

Tips for the best cup

• Bitter? The water was too hot or the steep too long.
• Weak? Add more petals rather than steeping longer.
• Re-steep: you can steep the same petals once more for a lighter cup.
• Make a rose latte: see our rose petal honey latte.

FAQ

How much rose petal per cup?
About 1 tablespoon, or 2 g, per 250 ml.

What temperature should the water be?
80–90°C (175–195°F), just below boiling.

Can I drink rose tea cold?
Yes. Iced rose tea is refreshing, and cold-brewed rose tea (petals in cold water in the fridge for 6–8 hours) is very smooth.