As summer begins, many Romanians look for delicious homemade drinks that capture the season’s essence. One of the most cherished and fragrant is trandafirata, a traditional rose petal lemonade that refreshes both body and soul.
Recently, a beloved grandma shared her simple and delightful way of preparing this drink — and it quickly captured the hearts of thousands online. She demonstrated the process step by step, preserving a treasured recipe passed down through generations.
With only a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you too can create this naturally fermented, floral drink that is perfect for warm days.
🌸 Ingredients:
- Fresh rose petals (fragrant, unsprayed roses)
- 6–7 small lemons or 3–4 large ones, sliced
- 1 kg of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rice (for fermentation)
- Filtered water
🍋 Step-by-Step Preparation:
“We make trandafirată just like we do elderflower lemonade (socată), only instead of elderflowers, we use rose petals,” grandma explains.
“I carefully choose the petals… I want it to be aromatic and beautifully colored.”
- Prepare the Roses
Gently wash the petals and place them into a large glass jar. - Add the Lemons
Slice the lemons and layer them over the petals. No need to squeeze — they’ll release their juice naturally. - Sweeten It Up
Add 1 kg of sugar and 2 tablespoons of rice. The rice and lemon help kickstart a natural fermentation, giving the drink a pleasant fizz. - Add Water
Pour filtered water over everything until the jar is nearly full. - Ferment Naturally
Cover the jar with a small plate or cloth. Place it in a shaded outdoor space (like a porch or gazebo) for 3–4 days. Stir daily. - Taste and Bottle
Once lightly fizzy and aromatic, strain the drink into bottles. Store it in the fridge and enjoy it chilled whenever you need a refreshing treat.
🌞 Why This Recipe Is Special
This isn’t just a drink—it’s a piece of cultural heritage, brought back to life with every batch. The gentle fermentation, the fragrant roses, and the wisdom of grandmothers who know what real refreshment tastes like all blend into one perfect summer experience.
And yes, a video of the process is coming soon, so you can follow every step visually!