How to make orange blossom water (or orange flower water) using a simple, easy at-home method. Orange blossom water is a flower water (like rose water) that’s made from the blossoms on orange trees. It can be used in beauty products, baked goods, drinks, salads, and more.
The traditional method for making pure orange blossom water uses steam distillation in special copper equipment known as a still. Since most of us don’t own a still or have one on hand in the kitchen, another way to obtain this floral water is by distilling freshly picked blossoms or dried blossoms in simmering water, using everyday kitchen equipment. This will yield orange blossom water that is clear in colour (as opposed to other methods, which will be orange).
While it’s not as intensely flavoured as steam distilled floral water varieties, it will still yield a floral water that is fragrant enough to use in recipes.
If you don’t have time to make your own, you can buy orange blossom water online or look for it in your local grocery store. Be sure that it is 100 percent pure orange blossom water, and not artificially flavoured or scented in any way.
Uses for Orange Blossom Water
Orange blossom water works wonderfully in recipes and beauty products, but keep in mind that it should be used sparingly (start with a small amount, taste, and add more as needed), as it is quite strong, so less is more when it comes to this floral water.
The most common uses for orange blossom water is to make syrup or cakes, but there are so many other ways to use this floral water, including:
- As a Natural Perfume: Adding a touch of orange blossom water to the pulse points around your body can leave you with a subtle hint of citrus fragrance that is so much cleaner and healthier for your body than store-bought, chemical-filled fragrances and perfumes. If you wanted to go a step further, you can even make your own perfume oil at home.
- As a Facial Toner or Makeup Remover: Orange blossom helps to cleanse the pores and help exfoliate old cells, making it the perfect natural skin toner for use after cleansing. Add a few drops to a makeup wipe and gently rub it over cleansed skin to remove any remaining traces of build-up and help tone your skin. It can help to add moisture to dry skin and reduce the greasiness that accompanies oily skin.
- As a Hair Spray: Orange blossom water has moisturising, toning and softening properties on the hair, making it a wonderful tool in helping to condition and strengthen hair.
- As a Room Spray: Spray this floral water around the room to help create a calming, soothing environment.
- Use it in Cooking and Baking: Add this floral water to baked goods like macarons, pastries, cakes, puddings, and cookies, or use it in salad dressings or desserts like Crème Brûlée, sorbet, cakes, icing, and more.
- Add it to Drinks: Incorporate a splash of orange blossom water to your favourite lemonade recipe, or use it in your favourite cocktails or smoothie recipes.
Before we get started in learning how to make this homemade orange blossom water, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!
Homemade Orange Blossom Water
While rose water may be the most popular floral water, orange blossom water really deserves a place in the spotlight, too. It gives desserts, drinks, and baked goods a little something extra, and has a ton of benefits for the skin.
You can use fresh or dried blossoms in this recipe. If you do not live in an area with orange trees, it may be easier to source dried blossoms, which can easily be ordered online.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried organic orange blossoms or 4 cups fresh organic orange blossoms
- Water (can used distilled if you prefer // see guide here for making distilled water at home)
- Ice cubes
- 100ml glass dropper bottle or clear glass bottle, for storage
To Make:
- Place a heat-proof bowl or glass jar in the centre of a large saucepan or stockpot. The jar acts as a container to catch the condensing steam that will become the orange blossom water.
- Arrange the orange blossoms around the jar, then add just enough water to cover the blossoms in the saucepan, avoiding the glass jar. The jar needs to stay above the water and flowers so it can catch the floral water as it condenses. Place the lid on top, but sit it upside down, and place the pan on medium-low heat. Then, bring the water to a simmer.
- Add two handfuls of ice to the top of the inverted lid. Let the water simmer for 20-25 minutes, adding more ice to the top of the lid as it melts.
- After simmering, carefully remove the lid, pouring the ice water into the sink. Alternatively, you can keep the water in a separate bowl to use on the garden once it has cooled. Then, using oven mitts, lift the glass jar of floral water out of the saucepan or stockpot and pour the water into a clean glass bottle or amber dropper bottle using a funnel.
Homemade hydrosols are an infusion of plant properties and distilled water. They will keep for years if stored in clean bottles and protected from light and heat. For more tips on how to store hydrosols, see here.
As always, none of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose, cure, or treat any condition. This is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
Have you made orange blossom water before? What have you used it for? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa
