Rose Petal Ice Cubes
Audrey McLaughlin | Editor, New England Rosarian
July 2026
The heat of summer is here, and so are beetles! This recipe is a refreshing way to use petals and tiny buds before the beetles get to them. Make sure to use petals from roses that have not been sprayed with pesticides or fungicides. Inspired by a recipe in Barbara Milo Ohrbach's Roses for the Scented Room.
Recipe
1. Fill ice cube trays one-third full with distilled water. (Tap water can make ice cubes look cloudy because of the mineral content.) Place in the freezer until frozen.
2. When the ice is frozen, remove trays and add the petals and buds to the cubes. Then fill the trays to the top with more distilled water and refreeze.
3. After 30 minutes push down any petals that have risen to the surface.
4. Enjoy!
Photo: Ice cubes with buds and petals from Lady Emma Hamilton, Bordeaux, and Ring of Fire garnished with a sprig of mint.
Credit: Audrey McLaughlin.