How to Make Flower Petal Tea: Best Floral Tea Recipes

Flower petal tea - a soothing and aromatic brew made by steeping the edible bits of flowers in hot water. This tea comes in a whole range of delicate flavors, vibrant colors and fragrances that'll leave you wanting more. Each one has its own unique twist - some are floral, others are sweet, earthy or a gentle whisper of herbal.

This guide is all about teaching you how to make flower petal tea at home, using the most popular flowers that people love to brew. You'll learn the simple ways to make it, just the right amount of time to steep it, plus some valuable tips to get that perfect cup every time, balanced and fresh. Remember, it's important to only use flowers that are organic and clearly labeled as safe for food use to avoid any harmful pesticides.

Flower petal tea is a one-of-a-kind tea that gets made from the actual petals of flowers - not from the usual tea leaves you'd find in a traditional cup. It's important to use only edible, organic, food-grade flower petals that are free from pesticides and chemicals to ensure a safe and pure brew.

Its worth making the distinction between flower petal tea and those other floral teas that make use of whole flowers, buds or other plant parts. Of course the others are types of floral teas too, but flower petal tea really zeros in on the flower's delicate petals, giving off a taste and fragrance that’s distinct from other floral teas.

Other floral teas like jasmine or chamomile use the whole flower or bud, which means they taste different from a petal-based tea. Petal teas in general are going to be lighter and more subtle, whereas flowers or buds give you a stronger more intense flavor and smell.

When you steep flower petal tea in hot water, the delicate flavors and fragrances quite literally come to the surface from the petals, creating a visually pleasing brew that's a real treat. The main difference really helps you appreciate what makes flower petal tea special and lets you pick the right one for the way you like it.

Step 1: Prepare the rose petals

Grab yourself some dried or fresh rose petals, and gently take off the white base from each one. That white bit can be a bit bitter, so it's worth taking the time to get it off - it'll make a big difference in the taste.

Step 2: Heat the water

Heat up 1 cup of water to around 80°C (175–180°F); this should do the trick. Keep the heat gentle, because you want to keep that lovely rose oil and fragrance intact. You don't want to boil it too hard and overpower the whole thing.

Step 3: Steep the petals

Now add the rose petals in your hot water, cover it up, and let it steep for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes - that's how long you want to steep it really depends on how strong you like your tea. The longer you leave it, the more of that deep, floral taste will come out.

Step 4: Strain and finish

Strain out the petals and that's it. You can drink the tea on its own or add a bit of honey if you want it sweetened up a bit.

Some people have nasty reactions to rose petals - especially if you've got a pollen allergy or some other plant allergy. Use food-grade roses that haven't been sprayed with pesticides, and stop drinking it if you start to feel itchy or uncomfortable. If you're pregnant, have a baby on the way, or are just generally uncertain - it's a good idea to talk to a doctor before you make a cup of rose petal tea.

If you'd rather not go to the hassle of using fresh or dried rose petals, then a pre-made rose tea blend is a super easy way to get that same delicate floral taste without any hassle. We recommend Rose Scented by Harney & Sons or Strawberries & Cream Black Tea (with Rose) by Plum Deluxe are both great choices to try - they're hassle free to brew and give you a lovely, effortless cup of rose tea.

Step 1: Measure the petals

To start off, you're going to want to get a tea for 1 cup. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of those delicate dried cornflower petals for every cup. You don't want to overpower the tea with too much flavor, or it'll end up tasting bitter or unbalanced.

Step 2: Heat the water

Next up, get a pot of water heating on the stovetop - but don't let it boil. You want to keep the heat pretty low, just hot enough without letting it boil. This helps protect the delicate flavors in the petals, so your tea doesn’t end up tasting thin or bland

Step 3: Steep gently

Now toss the dried petals in with that hot water, put a lid on the pot and let it all steep for about 5 minutes. Don't rush it - cornflower petals take a bit of time to start really releasing their pretty floral notes, so hang in there and be patient.

Step 4: Strain and serve

Before you pour yourself a cup, be sure to strain out those petals - the last thing you want is a cup of cloudy tea staring back at you. When it's all said and done, it should taste light, feel refreshing, and not at all overpowering.

Make sure the cornflower petals you use are safe for eating, not just for decorating - some manufacturers put additives or dyes on them. People who are really sensitive to plants in the daisy family might want to steer clear. And listen - if you start to feel off after drinking cornflower tea, just don't have any more. If you're still unsure - go talk to your doctor.

Sourcing dry, edible cornflower petals can be a real pain because most of the time they're sold as ornaments rather than food-grade ingredients. To make things a lot simpler, we recommend Yellow & Blue by Harney & Sons. It's a really lovely tea that combines cornflower with other complementary ingredients - no messing about, no extra prep needed - just brew and enjoy.

Step 1: Measure the calendula petals

Measure out 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried calendula petals per cup of water - just use the petals themselves for a light, clean, and really floral tea. That's a good balance of flavor without overpowering the senses.

Step 2: Heat the water

Heat some fresh water to around 195-205°F. You don't want to boil it too hard - just hot enough to get the job done. The petals release their best color and flavor when treated gently, so there’s no need to boil them aggressively.

Step 3: Steep the petals

Place the calendula petals in a teapot or mug that's safe to use with hot water, then pour on the hot water and cover. Leave it covered for 15-20 minutes while it steeps. The cover traps all the lovely aromas and lets the petals do their thing.

Step 4: Strain and serve

Carefully pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer to keep it clear and smooth. You can enjoy it as is or let it cool down a bit and serve it over ice for a lighter, more refreshing taste.

Some people may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions to calendula, particularly those sensitive to plants in the daisy family. There is limited research on calendula tea for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it’s generally best to avoid it during those times. If you have a known reaction to calendula or are taking sedative medications, consult your healthcare provider before use.

If you'd rather not bother with loose calendula petals, then a pre-made floral tea blend is a doddle to get going with. All you need to do is browse through our Flower Tea collection to find one that suits your taste, and you can enjoy a light, soothing cup in no time - all without having to lift a finger.

Flower petal tea is just perfect for when you need to unwind, whether that's a lazy afternoon or a quiet moment to yourself on a stressful day. When you serve it warm it's super relaxing and really lets the fragrance come through. But if you chill it down the flavor gets all mellow and refreshing, making it perfect for hot summer days or as a gentle alternative to sugary drinks.

Iced floral tea pairs perfectly with a slice of citrus, a sprig of fresh mint or a spoonful of honey - it really brings out the delicate flavor and adds a fun twist to the whole experience. Or you could try adding a few rose buds or other edible flowers to the pot as you brew, then serving it up as a pretty, fragrant treat - either way its sure to impress.

To make the most of your flower petal tea later on, keep the brewed tea in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for 2 days max. Just bear in mind that the color and aroma might start to lose some of their intensity over time, especially with flowers like rose that are a bit delicate.

It is best to drink the tea within 24 hours if you want the full flavor. When you're ready to serve, you can just grab it cold straight from the fridge or nudge it up a bit on the stove to warm it through - not boiling, mind you, so you don't lose the lovely floral notes.

Or, if you want, you could just make a big batch ahead of time and have a nice, refreshing tea ready to go whenever you need it. Which is pretty handy, especially on busy days or when you're having guests over.

Don't be afraid to have a bit of an experiment with the tea. Add a few more petals, a sprig of fresh mint, or just a tiny bit of natural vanilla - it adds depth without overpowering the flowers. A light dusting of sugar won't go amiss, and the experience is even more lovely when served hot or iced - it completely changes things and makes for a delicious cup.

Flower petal tea is as easy as it gets when it comes to sipping real floral flavors from the comfort of your own home. There's the soft sweetness of rose petals, the delicate lightness of cornflower and the earthy undertones of calendula - every single petal brings something new to the table. You can enjoy these on their own or as a subtle addition to a black or green tea, depending on the taste you're after.

If you're ready to explore some truly top-notch floral teas and blends that have been carefully sourced, then Taste of Tea should be your choice - they've got a great selection of high-quality petals, loose-leaf teas and plenty of inspiration for your next cup.