Overview of rose tea and how it’s traditionally made
The ideal tea bases for rose petal and rosebud blends
Top 8 rose tea products to try in 2025
Key benefits and calming qualities of rose tea
Table of contents
Introduction
Rose tea remains one of the most loved floral teas in the world. The beauty is right there in front of you with those delicate pink hues and that enchanting aroma that just fills your entire cup, making every single brew feel like a feast for your senses. It's soft, fragrant, and incredibly soothing aroma. You can brew pure rose petals, rosebuds, or go with blends that feature black tea, green tea, or herbal botanicals - there's something for everyone.
This guide is here to help you discover the top rose tea options in 2025 based on flavor, blend quality, what other tea lovers are saying, and just the overall drinking experience. Whether you're after something delicate, sweet, full bodied, or completely caffeine free, you're going to find a rose tea that brings those wonderful moments of beauty and pure enjoyment to your daily life and fits perfectly into your daily rituals.
What is Rose Tea?
So, rose tea is made from dried rose petals, rosebuds, or blends that are scented with roses. Traditionally, rose tea has been treasured in China for its cultural and botanical significance, where it's used to scent and flavor all sorts of different teas - and honestly, once you understand this tradition, you'll appreciate why it's stuck around for so long.
Some versions pair roses with black tea or green tea, while others focus on herbal tisanes made from hibiscus, rosehips, and other botanicals. Most blends feel light and fragrant, with this soft sweetness that makes each cup absolutely comforting, and after steeping, rose tea typically has this beautiful light yellow hue that just adds to its visual appeal.
Here's something super important - you want to choose pesticide free rose petals and definitely avoid those from florists or nurseries to make sure you're getting a pure and safe cup of rose tea. You can trust us, it makes all the difference.
Types of Rose Tea
Rose tea comes in such a wide range of styles, and each one brings its own unique aroma, texture, and tea base. Let's break down what you've got to choose from:
Rose petal tea: Made with dried rose petals. It feels airy and floral with this incredibly soft aroma that's just lovely.
Rosebud tea: Uses whole rose buds that deliver a stronger fragrance and much deeper flavor. Rose buds are those tightly closed buds and you might need to crush or cut them to get the maximum flavor and aroma out of them.
Rose black tea: Pairs fragrant rose petals with brisk black tea for a rich, full bodied cup that's perfect if you want something with a bit more substance.
Rose green tea: Green tea adds freshness and those vegetal notes that really brighten up the floral taste in the most amazing way.
Rose oolong tea: Creamy, fruity, and floral with complex layers and this smooth finish that just makes you want to keep sipping.
Herbal rose blends: Often combined with hibiscus, rosehips, or fruit for a vibrant, caffeine free option that's perfect any time of day.
Top 8 Rose Teas in 2025
1) Harney & Sons - Rose Scented
Brand Overview: Harney & Sons is a family-owned American tea company that has been doing their thing since 1983. You'll love their dedication to quality and sustainability, plus they're always thinking ahead with eco-friendly practices like compostable sachets.
Flavor & Experience: Here's what makes Rose Scented special - it blends black tea with rosebuds and rose flavor, so you're getting that beautiful floral profile as part of a bigger, bolder base. The cup tastes smooth and medium-bodied with just a light briskness that won't overwhelm you. Those rose petals really lift the aroma, creating this gorgeous, garden-like character that stays balanced and gentle throughout your sipping experience.
Brewing & Serving Notes: You'll want to add a teaspoon of Rose Scented to 212°F water and let it steep for 4 - 5 minutes. As it brews, you'll watch the liquor turn this lovely medium brown while releasing these soft floral steam clouds. The tea opens with warm rose aromatics and settles into this rounded, lightly brisk finish that feels calming and steady.
2) Plum Deluxe - Strawberries & Cream Black Tea (with Rose)
Brand Overview: Plum Deluxe is one of those gems you'll find in Portland, Oregon - an artisan tea company that's all about small-batch, hand-blended teas. They focus on creative flavor combinations and bring this thoughtful, mindful approach to crafting unique tea experiences that'll surprise you in the best way.
Flavor & Experience: Strawberries & Cream Black Tea combines rose petals with strawberries, vanilla, and raspberry leaf, making the rose one of several supporting notes that work together beautifully. The flavor feels creamy, fruity, and floral all at once. The rose enhances that berry sweetness while vanilla smooths out any rough edges, giving you this warm, dessert-like aroma that's absolutely delightful.
Brewing & Serving Notes: Drop a teaspoon of Strawberries & Cream Black Tea (with Rose) in boiling water and steep for 3 - 5 minutes. As it brews, you'll notice the aroma shifting from ripe berries to those soft floral notes - it's like watching a flavor story unfold! The color deepens to this gorgeous amber, and the cup feels bright and velvety with a gentle rose finish that lingers just right.
3) Tea with Tae - Hibiscus Rose
Brand Overview: Tea with Tae specializes in floral-infused black teas that are designed to promote relaxation and well-being. They're serious about eco-friendly packaging too, featuring these convenient mini tea tubes and pyramid sachets that combine premium loose leaf quality with effortless brewing.
Flavor & Experience: Hibiscus Rose is where things get really fun - it blends hibiscus, rosehips, elderberry, and rose petals, so that floral note works within this larger herbal mix that's absolutely stunning. The flavor feels tart, sweet, and fragrant all at once. The hibiscus delivers this vivid color while rose adds a soft lift that makes the cup taste refreshing and lightly sweet.
Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew a teaspoon of Hibiscus Rose in 212°F water for about 5 minutes. As it steeps, you'll watch the liquor turn this deep ruby red with sweet-tart aromatics that'll make your kitchen smell amazing. The hibiscus gives it this bright edge while rose softens the cup perfectly.
4) Piper and Leaf - Orchard Peach
Brand Overview: Piper & Leaf is a wonderful family-owned tea company based in Lacey's Spring, Alabama, and they specialize in artisanal Southern-style blends that'll transport you straight to the front porch. They create gourmet black teas infused with local fruits, herbs, and spices, offering these distinctive and nostalgic flavor experiences.
Flavor & Experience: Orchard Peach is a caffeine-free herbal blend where rose petals appear alongside peaches, pineapple, papaya, hibiscus, and rosehips. The rose supports this fruity, tropical profile beautifully. The flavor feels juicy and vibrant while those floral notes keep the blend soft, balanced, and incredibly easy to drink.
Brewing & Serving Notes: Add a teaspoon of Orchard Peach to 212°F water and steep for 7 minutes - yes, it takes a bit longer. As it brews, the blend turns this bright pinkish-red with sweet fruit aromatics that'll have you dreaming of orchards. The cup opens with these juicy peach notes, then settles into this gentle floral sweetness from the rose.
5) iLola - Rocky Rose No. 52
Brand Overview: iLola expertly combines classic tea richness with a modern wellness approach. Their innovative Tea Discs simplify loose-leaf brewing in the most clever way, offering an eco-friendly, carefully designed experience that elevates your tea enjoyment to something truly refined and special.
Flavor & Experience: Rocky Rose No. 52 blends oolong with rose petals, hibiscus, orange peel, and vanilla, so rose plays this perfect supporting role in a complex flavor symphony. The flavor feels silky, floral, and citrusy all at once. The oolong adds this creamy depth while the rose brightens the cup and leaves this soft, lingering sweetness that's absolutely divine.
Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew a tea disc of Rocky Rose No. 52 in 190°F water to unlock its smooth character. As it steeps, you'll watch the disc soften and open, releasing these warm floral and citrus notes that smell incredible. The liquor becomes golden and silky, with rose adding this gentle lift that stays with you through each sip.
6) Teappo - Rose Oolong
Brand Overview: Teappo is this charming California-based artisan tea company run by a husband and wife duo. With over a century of family experience in sourcing premium Taiwanese oolong, they specialize in sustainably grown loose leaf teas and fine tea powders from Taiwan and Japan, all thoughtfully curated and packaged right in California.
Flavor & Experience: Rose Oolong pairs roasted Taiwanese oolong with pink rose petals, making that floral note one element of this beautifully complex base. The flavor feels velvety, smooth, and slightly sweet - exactly what you want in a sophisticated tea. The oolong adds warmth and depth while rose softens the cup with this fragrant, airy floral aroma.
Brewing & Serving Notes: Put a teaspoon of Rose Oolong in 190°F water and steep until you see those leaves unfurl - it's like watching art in motion! The liquor shifts to this honey-gold color as toasted oolong notes rise first. The rose follows with light sweetness, giving the cup this silky, balanced texture that tastes elegant and refined.
7) Danfe - Rose Black Tea
Brand Overview: Danfe Tea, based in Dallas, specializes in high-altitude loose-leaf teas sourced from Nepal's Himalayan mountains - and it is worth noting that altitude makes all the difference! They're committed to ethical sourcing and aim to elevate Nepal's tea industry by showcasing the unique flavors and qualities of teas.
Flavor & Experience: Rose Black Tea blends high-altitude black tea with rose petals, so those floral elements complement this strong, mountain-grown base perfectly. The flavor feels robust, smooth, and lightly sweet - you're getting the best of both worlds here. The rose softens the boldness of the tea, creating this pleasant balance and a silky, lingering finish.
Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew a teaspoon of Rose Black Tea in boiling water for 3 - 5 minutes. As it steeps, you'll watch the liquor turn this glowing amber with sweet rosy fragrance that fills the room. The black tea grows fuller as it cools while the rose leaves this gentle floral sweetness through the final sip.
8) Beach House - Rose City Rooibos
Brand Overview: Beach House Tea is a family-run business from Long Beach, Washington, and they draw inspiration from the Pacific Northwest's natural charm - you can taste that coastal magic! They specialize in small-batch, artisan loose leaf teas made with premium organic or wild-harvested ingredients, emphasizing freshness and quality in every single blend.
Flavor & Experience: Rose City Rooibos uses red rooibos with rose petals and peppermint, making rose one layer of this beautifully crafted herbal blend. The flavor feels earthy, floral, and naturally sweet - no added sugar needed! The rose softens the rooibos while peppermint adds this cool edge that brightens the finish perfectly.
Brewing & Serving Notes: Put a teaspoon of Rose City Rooibos in 212°F water and steep for 5 - 6 minutes. As it brews, the liquor becomes this deep red with calming herbal aroma that's instantly soothing. Rooibos brings smooth sweetness, rose lifts the scent, and the cup feels warm, comforting, and refreshing.
How to Choose the Best Rose Tea: Tips for Quality and Flavor
Choosing rose tea involves way more than just grabbing any blend off the shelf. If you want to enjoy the full benefits and that delicate, dreamy aroma, you're going to want to consider these important factors.
- Pesticide Free and Organic: You absolutely want to opt for rose tea made from pesticide free rose petals or buds. Your safety and purity matter, and honestly, organic strains tend to have way richer flavor and those naturally occurring plant elements that make all the difference.
- Type of Rose and Tea Leaves: Different rose varieties, like Damask or Rosa rugosa, offer completely unique fragrances and tastes. When they're blended with quality tea leaves like black tea, green tea, or oolong, the flavor profile can range from robust and bold to light and beautifully floral.
- Appearance and Smell: Look for dried rose petals or buds that still retain that vibrant color and fresh floral smell. The flower presentation is your indicator of good quality and a more fragrant cup that'll actually deliver on its promises.
- Source and Brand Reputation: Do yourself a favor and purchase from reputable shops or nurseries that actually specialize in herbal teas and floral blends. Trusted brands often provide detailed information about the rose strain and tea leaves used - and that transparency matters.
- Brewing Flexibility: Some rose teas brew beautifully both hot and cold, which means you get to enjoy a refreshing iced rose tea on warm days or a soothing warm cup when you need that comfort.
Benefits of Drinking Rose Tea
Rose tea offers this calm, floral cup that so many people have grown to love as part of their daily wellness routine. It's packed with naturally occurring plant compounds found in roses and traditional teas, which contribute to its aroma, color, and that pleasant drinking experience you're after.
Many tea drinkers absolutely appreciate its soothing fragrance and the sense of relaxation it can bring. Some folks enjoy it during those precious moments of unwinding or as a gentle addition to their evening routine. Historically, rose-based herbal infusions have been used in various traditions for comfort or simply as a pleasant, warming drink that just feels good.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FAQ
What is the best rose for tea?
The best roses for tea are usually Damask or Rosa rugosa. They offer that strong fragrance, rich petals, and naturally sweet flavor that makes all the difference in your cup.
When should you drink rose tea?
You can honestly enjoy rose tea any time that feels right to you. Many people drink it in the afternoon for relaxation or in the evening for a calming ritual that helps them unwind.
Is rose tea better than green tea?
Neither is better than the other. Green tea feels fresh and grassy, while rose tea feels floral and soothing. You can choose based on your flavor preference or your caffeine needs at the moment.
How long to steep rose tea?
Most rose teas steep perfectly between three and five minutes, depending on how strong you like your taste. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your sweet spot.
Final Notes
Rose tea brings comfort, fragrance, and gentle sweetness to any moment of your day, creating an experience that's genuinely reminiscent of a rose garden in full bloom. The blends in this guide offer a whole range of experiences, from brisk black tea to soothing herbal rose infusions that'll make you look forward to your next cup.
Explore the full rose tea collection at Taste of Tea and discover your next favorite cup. If you need help choosing what's right for you, our support team is always ready to guide you through the process.
Behind the Cup
Further Reading