How to Make Orange Blossom Water (2 Easy Methods)

Orange blossom water is one of those magical ingredients that instantly adds a floral, slightly citrusy note to everything from cocktails to baked goods. You only need two ingredients—water and orange blossom petals—to make your own, and you can do it two different ways depending on your time, tools, and whether you’re using fresh or dried flowers.

Whenever possible, use fresh petals. Dried is fine, but you will get a more vibrant flavor with fresh petals that smell just like citrus trees you walk by in early spring here in California.

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Picking Orange Blossoms

Before you get started, make sure you’re harvesting flowers the right way:

• Pick in the morning before the sun is high—ideally before 10am.
• Choose fully open flowers, not tight buds.
• Gently remove any twigs, stems, or tiny fruits that may have started forming.
• Rinse the blossoms in cold water and let them air dry on a clean cloth.
• Pluck the petals from the full flower and set petals aside in a bowl

Can I pick orange blossoms from my own tree?

Yes! In fact, your tree produces way more blossoms than it can turn into fruit. Taking a few won’t hurt it—those excess blooms naturally fall off anyway– just look at the ground under your tree!

Orange Blossom Water: Two Methods

You can make orange blossom water either with a gentle cold infusion or a quicker hot steep, depending on what you’re using it for and whether you’re starting with fresh or dried blossoms.

Method 1: Cold-Infused Orange Blossom Water

Best for fresh blossoms – mild, aromatic, and delicate

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups spring or filtered water
• 1 cup fresh orange blossoms

Instructions:

1. Lightly crush the petals with a mortar and pestle to release their oils.
2. Place petals into a clean, sterilized glass jar.
3. Cover with cold water and seal the jar with a lid.
4. Let it steep for several hours or overnight, checking the scent every few hours.
5. Once it reaches your preferred strength, strain into a second clean jar and store in the fridge.

WARNING: Orange blossom water can get very floral, very fast—so don’t forget to taste and smell as it steeps or you will waste all of those petals and have to start over again. This is not something you can fix by diluting it with more water.

Method 2: Hot-Infused Orange Blossom Water

Best for dried orange blossoms – faster and a bit stronger

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dried or fresh orange blossoms

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil, then pour it over your blossoms in a heat-safe jar or bowl (like this one).
2. Seal and let steep for several hours til you get the desired flavor.
3. Once the scent is where you want it, strain the petals and transfer to a clean container.

Just like a cold infusion, you will want to keep a close eye on your blossom water. I’d check every 30 minutes to an hour. Think of this like a tea… brew too long and it could turn to ick.

Tools for making infused waters

• Fine mesh strainer
• Cheesecloth (or this handy strainer set up)
• 2 Mason jars
• Sauce pan

How to Store Orange Blossom Water

• Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If it changes color, gets cloudy, or starts to smell off—toss it!
• Freeze into ice cube trays to preserve it longer and use in cocktails or desserts anytime.

How to Use Orange Blossom Water

• Add a splash to cocktails for a light floral aroma
• Stir into lemonade or iced tea
• Mix into whipped cream, glazes, or baked goods for an elegant twist
• Use in DIY beauty or bath products like facial sprays or bath soaks

Cocktails that use Orange Blossom Water

• Citrus Bloom
• Orange Blossom Basil Fizz
• Orange Blossom Southside
• Orange Blossom Mojito