Creamy cold low carb chai iced tea with a delicious hint of rose water. A sugar-free summer drink for the senses.This post is sponsored by Nielsen-MAssey
Have you ever tried rose water? This is definitely a new-to-me ingredient. Before becoming a blogger and perusing the vast landscape of food blogs, I thought of rose water as an eau de toilette, a perfume, something that I might find in Crabtree and Evelyn. And so it is, of course, but it’s also something you can use for culinary purposes to give a lovely floral scent to desserts, baked goods, cocktails, and other beverages. I swear I would not have known this if not for my addiction to pretty food photo sites like Foodgawker and Pinterest. A search for “rose water” on those sites and you will see some of the prettiest creations you can imagine.
Rose water had been on my list to try for a while now so it was perfect timing when Nielsen-Massey asked me to create a summer beverage recipe featuring their extracts. I didn’t have a clue that they made rose water along with their world-renowned vanillas, but I spotted it on their product list and knew I had to get my hands on some. I also selected some orange blossom water and some Mexican vanilla to try.
When you open the rose water and give it a sniff, it smells as if you are walking through lush gardens full of roses in bloom. You might be tempted to dab a little behind your ears, and really, who could blame you? The floral notes suggested to me that it might pair well with the strong, warm spices in chai tea. So I created a chai tea baseย to which I could then add sweetener, cream and rose water. I intended to also try the orange blossom water in the chai as well. Alas, that bottle fell from my over-stuffed baking cupboard the other day and shattered all over my counter. It smelled amazing, however, and I suspect it would also be a great addition to chai lattes!
I was worried that the strong flavours of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger might overwhelm the delicate rose water, but my fears were unfounded. The scent is delicate but the taste comes through strikingly so a little goes a long way. Together with the chai and cream over ice, it made for a remarkably refreshing summer drink. And I can already see other rose-scented recipes…scones, biscotti, ice cream, panna cotta. The possibilities for rose water seem endless. Check out the Uses and Pairings guide from Nielsen-Massey for great ideas on how to use all of their flavourings.
Follow Nielsen-Massey on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Nielsen-Massey. All recipes, photography and opinions are my own.
Rose-Scented Iced Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2- inch piece fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- 1/2 star anise
- 8 cardamom seeds gently crushed
- 6 whole peppercorns
- Pinch ground cloves
- 2 bags black tea can be decaf
- 1/2 tsp Nielsen-Massey Mexican Vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp Nielsen-Massey Rose Water
- 2 tbsp Swerve Sweetener
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream for topping optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, cinnamon sticks, ginger, star anise, cardamom seeds, peppercorns and cloves. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and refrigerate until chilled.
- Add vanilla, rose water and sweetener. Stir until sweetener is dissolved. Divide between two large glasses filled with ice.
- Add whipping cream and stir until well mixed. Add whipped cream for topping, if desired.
Notes
Total fat: 20.88g
Calories from fat: 187
Cholesterol: 81mg
Carbohydrate, by difference: 1.79g
Total dietary fiber: --
Protein: 1.22g
Brandi says
I also use a splash of rosewater when I make cranberry relish. It adds a different layer of flavor for your face to figure out that is more subtle than cranberry/ginger!
Carolyn says
I love this idea!
Jennie @onesweetmess says
This is such a creative recipe. I love the addition of rose water, and I’m betting it goes perfectly with the flavors in the chai tea. Pinned.
Pug @ Pug's Modern Life says
Oh awesome! I’d never have thought to use rosewater in chai, but looking at the pics and reading the description, I can’t imagine why not! I’m wild about orange blossom water too (I keep at least a litre of it in my pantry at all times) and am looking forward to seeing what magical creation you make with that as well ๐
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
What a beautiful drink! I had no idea that Nielsen Massey made Rose Water. Must check this out!
Lydia says
I say yes. Must try this….now.
Thank you, this is wonderful.
Makes me wonder how I might use rose water in other ways. Rose ice cream to make a rose float maybe? ๐ wow, possibility.
Stephanie says
Gorgeous photos! I love chai tea, now I have to try it with rose water!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
OK you have convinced me to do a search for “rose water”. I have never tried it before, believe it or not. Wow – this is absolutely gorgeous!!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I’ve never tried rose water but I’ve heard such amazing things about it! This chai latte would be so good after a long day at work!
Sarah @ Sarah Cooks the Books says
I’ve had a thing of rosewater in my cabinet for…forever. This will be a nice place to get rid of some of it.
Martha @ A Family Feast says
I’ve never thought to use rosewater for culinary purposes – but now you have me thinking of other recipes!
[email protected] says
I’ve never tried rose water, but this certianly makes me want to! What a beautiful beverage!
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
I have never tried rose water. Like you, I’ve always thought of it more like a perfume or candle scent, not really something I would want to eat. But you sold me on the latte and I’ll be trying this out soon!
The Food Hunter says
I’ve never tried rose water but this drink sounds wonderful
amanda says
Love this!!!
TidyMom says
i had no idea rose water was used in food!! now I’ve got to try this latte!
Ginny McMeans says
I am so excited about this company Nielsen-Massey. You have opened up my mind to all sorts of ideas. Thanks for your lovely latte creation.
Darcy says
I have a jar of rose water that I’ve never had an occasion to use. This is perfect!
Kim Beaulieu says
I love rose water. Kiana and I go on an annual trip to a big Amish Farmers Market every year, we always buy a bottle. It’s lovely.
I am digging this recipe. You really knocked it out of the park.
Donna Hup says
I am a huge fan of Chai. I can’t wait to try this variation.
Kolika says
What a great variation!!! I’m addicted to rose water/rose petal jam lately… I even did a blog post on rose petal jam and how to make gelato out of it.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
Rose water has also been on MY list to try! I actually hadn’t though about putting it in a chai drink, but it seems to make perfect sense. Great recipe Carolyn!
Andrea says
Carolyn, you have NO idea how happy this makes me! I am a HUGE fan of your site. I’ve been on LCHF for 2+ years and much of my success is due to your recipes, particularly sweets ๐
I also adore rose-scented foods/drinks, and to know you are thinking of using rose, orange blossom, etc makes me beyond excited! I am also a huge fan of lavender, so hope to see more of that too ๐
Yay!! Thank you!!!
Rose and dark chocolate is a pretty amazing combo, imho..i’ve been meaning to adapt your fudge recipe with rosewater!
Susan Parker says
Carolyn, 81 carbs? Is that a typo? Lovely recipe.
Carolyn says
You’re reading the number that goes with Cholesterol (81 mg). Each serving, as I say just above that, has 1.79 g of carbs.
Nutmeg Nanny says
What a great looking latte! I never would have thought to add rose water but now I”m totally intrigued. Lucky for me I have a bottle sitting in my pantry ๐