How is Rose Milk Made?

What is Rose Milk?

Rose milk is a refreshing and aromatic beverage made by combining chilled milk with rose syrup and rose water. It is a popular drink in South Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, known for its delicate floral flavor and vibrant pink hue.

What Ingredients are Needed to Make Rose Milk?

Essential Ingredients:

Milk: 2 cups (approximately 500 ml) of chilled milk. You can use dairy milk or any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk.
Rose Syrup: 3 tablespoons of rose syrup. You can either use store-bought rose syrup or make your own using sugar, water, and rose essence or rose petals.
Rose Water: 1 teaspoon of rose water for an intense floral flavor. This is optional but highly recommended for the authentic taste.
Sugar: ½ tablespoon of sugar or to taste. You can use granulated sugar, powdered sugar, or any preferred sweetener. Sugar is optional if the rose syrup is already sweet enough.

Optional Ingredients:

Sabja Seeds (Sweet Basil Seeds): 1 teaspoon of sabja seeds soaked in water for 15-30 minutes. These add a cooling texture and flavor.
Rose Petals: Fresh or dried rose petals for garnish, adding a beautiful and fragrant touch to the drink.
Vanilla Ice Cream: 2 scoops per 1 cup of milk to make a rose milkshake.
Pink Food Colour: A pinch of natural or artificial pink food colour to enhance the appearance.

How to Make Rose Milk?

Soak Sabja Seeds (Optional): Soak 1 teaspoon of sabja seeds in enough water for 15-30 minutes. Strain the water and keep the soaked seeds aside.
Prepare Rose Syrup (If Making Homemade): Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a sticky honey consistency or one-string consistency. Remove from heat and add rose essence, kewra water (if using), and pink food colour. Let it cool and store in a clean jar.
Mix the Rose Milk: Take 2 cups of chilled milk in a bowl or pitcher. Add 3 tablespoons of rose syrup and stir well until the syrup is fully dissolved. Add ½ tablespoon of sugar (or to taste) and stir until the sugar is dissolved. If using powdered sugar, it will dissolve quickly. Add 1 teaspoon of rose water and stir well.
Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add the soaked sabja seeds to the milk and stir well. For a rose milkshake, blend the milk with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream and the other ingredients until smooth.
Serve: Pour the rose milk into glasses. Garnish with fresh or dried rose petals and serve chilled. You can also add almond slivers or other garnishes as desired.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional values of rose milk can vary based on the type of milk and sweetener used. A basic recipe using full-fat dairy milk and granulated sugar provides approximately 159 kcal per serving, with around 8-10 grams of fat and 20-25 grams of sugar.

Variations and Customizations

Regional Differences:

Indian Version: Often includes kewra water and sabja seeds for added flavor and texture.
Pakistani Version: May use similar ingredients but with a focus on using clear rose extract and natural food colors.

Unique Ingredients and Methods:

Homemade Rose Syrup: Made by boiling sugar and water to a one-string consistency and then adding rose essence and food color.
Rose Milkshake: Blended with vanilla ice cream for a thicker, creamier version.
Vegan Version: Uses plant-based milks such as almond, oat, or soy milk and can include natural sweeteners like agave nectar or honey.