Learn how to make orange blossom water (or orange flower water) using these three simple and easy at-home methods. Use it in beauty products, pastries, cookies, cakes, muffins, puddings, and more. The possibilities are endless with this fragrant, homemade orange flower water.
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Homemade Orange Flower Water
Orange blossom water not only has an incredibly wonderful scent, but it has tons of practical uses as well! There's a reason it is such a hot product in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions; it is so versatile!
Rose water may be the most popular flower water, but orange blossom water really deserves a spot right beside it! It adds a special touch to pastries, sorbet, creme brulee, pudding, cookies, cakes, and more! Plus, it has tons of benefits when used in skincare!
🤔 What Is Orange Blossom Water
Orange blossom water (or orange flower water) is a natural byproduct of distilling the flower petals on the bitter orange tree. It's similar to rose water, except with orange flowers rather than rose petals.
The result is a liquid that is both citrus and floral in flavor (and smells amazing) and can be used in various ways, from cooking and baking to skincare. It is incredibly popular in Mediterranean foods, coffees, desserts, drinks, and more.
🍊 How To Use Orange Blossom Water
Orange flower water works fantastically in recipes and beauty products or skincare! It is important to note that less is more when it comes to orange blossom water. It is surprisingly strong and should be used sparingly in recipes (start with a small amount, taste, and add more as needed).
The most common uses for orange blossom water is to make syrup or cakes, but there are so many more uses! Try out some of these great ideas!
- Add it to baked goods (macarons, pastries, and cookies)
- Add a splash to your favorite cocktails
- Use it as a makeup remover
- Spritz some into your hair
- Use it as a facial toner (it's a natural exfoliant)
- Put some in your smoothies
- Make salad dressings
- Add it to creme brulee, sorbet, icing, or pudding
🥘 Ingredients
Making orange blossom water only requires two ingredients: orange blossoms and distilled water. The amount used for each will vary based on your method of making the orange blossom water.
- Orange Blossoms - ¼ cup of orange blossoms (or more). You can use either fresh or dried. If you do not live in an area with orange trees, it will probably be easiest to make the water using dried blossoms, which can easily be ordered online.
- Distilled Water - 1 cup of distilled water (or more). This is easily found in any supermarket!
Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!
🥣 How To Make Orange Blossom Water
By Infusion
The infusion method takes the most time but is completely hands-off and easy to do.
- Crush. Use a mortar and pestle to crush 2 cups of orange flower petals (dried or fresh) until they form a thick paste.
- Pour. Place the flower paste into a large jar and pour 2 cups of distilled water over the top.
- Seal. Stir well and place the lid onto the jar.
- Sit. Allow the jar to sit for 2 weeks.
- Strain. Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh to strain the blossoms out of the water. Store in a sealed jar or use immediately.
By Simmering
Simmering is probably the most convenient way to make orange flower water. It is relatively quick and pretty simple to do.
- Mix. Add ¼ cup of orange flower petals to a saucepan and pour in 1 cup of distilled water. Stir well.
- Boil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Steep. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the orange flower water steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain. Strain the liquid into a bottle and use it immediately or store it for later, pressing down on the flowers to release all of the liquid.
By Distilling
Distilling your orange flower water requires a little more work than simmering, but it is not difficult. This method will yield orange blossom water that is clear in color (as opposed to the other methods, which will be orange).
- Prepare. Set a heat-proof bowl into the center of a stockpot with a lid.
- Add. Add 2 cups of orange blossoms to the pot, around the outside of the bowl, and pour in 5 cups of distilled water. *The bowl in the center should remain empty.
- Boil. Place the lid for the stockpot upside down on top of the pot, and then bring the water to a low boil.
- Add ice. Keep the mixture at a gentle boil and place some ice on top of the lid.
- Simmer. When the ice melts, get rid of it and replace it with new ice. Repeat this process (simmering the water and replacing the ice) until the color has faded from the orange petals and clear water is inside the center bowl.
- Cool. Remove the pot from the heat and take off the lid. Let everything cool off before storing the collected water in the center bowl in a glass bottle or jar.
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- You can use any of these methods using either fresh or dried orange blossoms or petals.
- If you are using fresh petals, make sure you buy organic and food-grade ones. Additionally, you'll want to rinse them off thoroughly to remove any dirt or bugs.
- Use any leftover orange flower petals in tea or potpourri for the house.
- Less is more when it comes to the water. Start with less water and see how strong the orange flower water is. You can always add more to dilute it to your liking!
- When using orange blossom water in recipes, start with a small amount. The water is very pungent and can easily overpower a dish if you add too much!
🥡 Storing
Keep your orange blossom water stored in a glass jar or clear container in the fridge or a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
A better question would be what doesn't it do? In recipes, it adds a nice floral yet citrus flavor. It also smells amazing and is perfect for a refreshing body mist! It's also used in skincare; it is reportedly beneficial to help clean the skin, exfoliate, tone, and add moisture.
Yes! This homemade orange blossom water is completely safe to ingest. If using store-bought orange blossom water, make sure to read the packaging. It makes a great addition to many different drinks!
Orange blossom water perfectly balances a floral taste and a nice hint of citrus. It pairs well with other flavors like vanilla, lemon, and almond.
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📖 Recipe Card
How To Make Orange Blossom Water
Ingredients
- ¼ cup orange blossoms (or more, depending on the method used)
- 1 cup distilled water (or more, depending on the method used)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Simmering Method
- Add ¼ cup of orange flower petals to a saucepan and pour in 1 cup of distilled water. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the orange flower water steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a bottle and use it immediately or store it for later, pressing down on the flowers to release all of the liquid.
Distilling Method
- Set a heat-proof bowl into the center of a stockpot with a lid.
- Add 2 cups of orange blossoms to the pot, around the outside of the bowl, and pour in 5 cups of distilled water. *The bowl in the center should remain empty.
- Place the lid for the stockpot upside down on top of the pot and then bring the water to a low boil.
- Keep the mixture at a gentle boil and place some ice on top of the lid.
- When the ice melts, get rid of it and replace it with new ice. Repeat this process (simmering the water and replacing the ice) until the color has faded from the orange petals and there is clear water inside of the center bowl.
- Remove the pot from the heat and take off the lid. Let everything cool off before storing the water that has collected in the center bowl in a glass bottle or jar.
Infusion Method
- Use a mortar and pestle to crush 2 cups of orange flower petals (dried or fresh) until they form a thick paste.
- Place the flower paste into a large jar and pour 2 cups of distilled water over the top.
- Stir well and place the lid onto the jar.
- Allow the jar to sit for 2 weeks.
- Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh to strain the blossoms out of the water. Store in a sealed jar or use immediately.
Notes
- You can use any of these methods using either fresh or dried orange blossoms or petals.
- If you are using fresh petals, make sure you buy ones that are organic and food-grade. Additionally, you'll want to rinse them off really well to remove any dirt or bugs.
- Less is more when it comes to the water. Start with less water and see how strong the orange flower water is. You can always add more to dilute it to your liking!
- When using orange blossom water in recipes, start with a small amount. The water is very pungent and can easily overpower a dish if you add too much!
- To store: Keep your orange blossom water stored in a glass jar or clear container either in the fridge or in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Anna Ubben says
I haven't made the orange blossom water yet but would appreciate knowing the site you buy the orange blossoms on. I am very wary of buying food products that are not controlled without recommendations. Thank you.
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
The orange flower petals that I use (from Amazon) are linked in the recipe card. I try to point out to specialty ingredients when needed. 🙂