There’s something magical about summer in Romania—lazy afternoons, vibrant gardens, and the scent of roses carried on the breeze. And if there’s one drink that truly captures the season, it’s trandafirata, the traditional Romanian rose petal lemonade. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a sip of history, heritage, and sunshine in a glass.
Let’s dive into the delightful story and recipe behind this homemade gem that has taken social media—and hearts—by storm.
What Is Trandafirata and Why Is It So Loved?
Trandafirata isn’t just any lemonade. It’s Romania’s floral answer to elderflower lemonade (socată), made with fresh, fragrant rose petals. This naturally fermented drink is both refreshing and subtly fizzy, with a beautiful blush color and floral aroma that feels like summer itself.
Recently, a charming Romanian grandmother revived this beloved tradition by sharing her simple recipe. Her video went viral—and for good reason. In just a few steps and with humble ingredients, you can create a drink that tastes like it came straight from a countryside garden.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Trandafirata
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need to bring this traditional drink to life:
- Fresh rose petals (make sure they’re unsprayed and naturally fragrant)
- 6–7 small lemons or 3–4 large ones, sliced
- 1 kg of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rice (this is key for fermentation)
- Filtered water
Tip: Choose roses that smell amazing. The more fragrant the petals, the better the flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Trandafirata
You don’t need fancy equipment—just a big jar, some patience, and a touch of grandma’s wisdom.
1. Pick and Wash the Petals
First things first—gather your rose petals. Go for the most fragrant, colorful blooms you can find. Grandma recommends washing them gently to remove any dust or bugs. Be careful not to crush them—you want to preserve that delicate fragrance.
Once washed, place them in a large glass jar (think 3–5 liters in size).
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2. Add the Lemons
Slice your lemons into thin rounds and layer them right on top of the petals. No need to squeeze them—the natural fermentation process will coax the juice out beautifully.
Lemons give the drink a zesty kick that balances the rose flavor.
3. Sugar and Rice Magic
Here’s where the transformation begins.
Add 1 kilogram of sugar directly into the jar. Then toss in 2 tablespoons of uncooked rice. Sounds odd? It’s not. The rice, when combined with sugar and lemon, acts as a natural fermentation booster, giving your trandafirata that signature gentle fizz.
4. Fill with Filtered Water
Pour filtered or boiled-and-cooled water into the jar until everything is covered. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow room for bubbles and expansion.
Give it a quick stir to dissolve some of the sugar. It won’t dissolve all the way yet—and that’s okay.
5. Cover and Ferment
Now it’s time to let nature do the work.
Cover the jar with a clean cloth or small plate, and place it outside in a shaded but warm area like a porch or under a gazebo. Let it sit for 3–4 days, giving it a gentle stir once a day.
Each day, you’ll notice the mixture becoming more aromatic and a bit fizzy—that’s the fermentation working its magic.
6. Strain, Bottle, and Chill
Once the flavor is just right (lightly fizzy, floral, and sweet), it’s time to strain the liquid into bottles. Use a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the petals, rice, and lemon slices.
Pop the bottles into the fridge, and you’ve got yourself a taste of Romanian summer ready to pour whenever the mood strikes.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Trandafirata
Aside from how pretty it looks in a glass, trandafirata is something deeper—it’s about tradition, family, and the simple joys of homemade things.
- Naturally fizzy: No artificial bubbles here—just a light sparkle from wild fermentation.
- Floral and refreshing: Imagine lemonade, but softer, sweeter, and kissed by roses.
- Full of heritage: Passed down through generations, it’s a recipe soaked in memory.
- Low effort, big reward: A handful of ingredients and a few days of patience? Totally worth it.
And best of all? It’s made with real ingredients you can trust—and love.
Tips for First-Time Makers
- Use only untreated roses. No pesticides. Go organic or pick from a garden you know well.
- Watch the weather. Fermentation speeds up in warm weather—taste it daily to avoid over-fermenting.
- Don’t seal too tight. If using a lid, make sure it’s loosely fitted to let gases escape.
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More Than a Drink—It’s a Summer Ritual
Trandafirata isn’t just a seasonal refreshment—it’s a story in a jar. Each glass carries with it the scent of blooming gardens, the wisdom of Romanian grandmothers, and the kind of calm only homemade things can give.
In a world of store-bought everything, trandafirata reminds us that some of the best things in life come slowly—steeped in sunlight, stirred by hand, and shared with love.
So go ahead, make a batch. Pour it into a cold glass. Sit outside under the shade. And toast to the beauty of summer—one petal at a time.
