Romanian Trandafirată: Traditional Rose Petal Lemonade for Summer
As summer arrives, many people in Romania turn to homemade drinks that truly taste like the season. One of the most loved options is trandafirată—a fragrant traditional rose petal lemonade known for its floral aroma and naturally refreshing flavor.
Recently, a grandmother shared her easy, comforting method online, and it quickly won over thousands of viewers. Her step-by-step approach keeps alive a family recipe passed down through generations, showing that the best summer refreshments often come from simple ingredients and a little patience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh rose petals (highly fragrant, unsprayed roses)
- 6–7 small lemons or 3–4 large lemons, sliced
- 1 kg sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice (to support natural fermentation)
- Filtered water
How to Make Trandafirată (Step by Step)
Grandma’s tip: “We make trandafirată the same way we make elderflower lemonade (socată)—but instead of elderflowers, we use rose petals. I choose petals that will make it aromatic and give it a beautiful color.”
1. Prepare the Rose Petals
Gently rinse the petals and place them into a large, clean glass jar.
2. Add the Lemon Slices
Slice the lemons and layer them on top of the petals. There’s no need to squeeze them—during fermentation, they’ll release their juice naturally.
3. Add Sugar and Rice
Pour in the 1 kg of sugar and add 2 tablespoons of rice. Together with the lemon, the rice helps start a mild natural fermentation, which creates a pleasant, light sparkle.
4. Fill with Filtered Water
Add filtered water until the jar is almost full.
5. Let It Ferment
Cover the jar with a small plate or a clean cloth. Keep it in a shaded outdoor spot (such as a porch, balcony, or gazebo) for 3–4 days. Stir it once a day.
6. Strain, Bottle, and Chill
When it smells intensely floral and becomes slightly fizzy, strain the liquid into bottles. Store in the refrigerator and serve cold.
Why Trandafirată Is So Loved
This drink is more than a summer cooler—it’s a small piece of Romanian culinary tradition. The gentle fermentation, fresh rose fragrance, and the practical know-how passed down by grandmothers create a drink that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully refreshing.
A video of the process will be shared soon, making it even easier to follow each step visually.
