The flavor of roses creates a special
lemonade. Photo courtesy Fentiman’s.

Not your conventional soft drinks, the products are infused with botanicals and go through a slow, natural fermentation and blending.

For a special soft drink for Valentine’s Day—for everyone from foodies to kids—we like Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade. It’s made with rose oil from the world-famous Rose Valley in Kazanlak, Bulgaria.

If you can’t find it, make your own rose lemonade by adding a bit of rose oil or rose water to a conventional fresh-squeezed lemonade recipe. (You can turn it into a cocktail with gin, tequila or vodka.)

Like Middle Eastern cuisine? Rose is a popular flavor in the Middle East, in beverages, desserts and confections. Make rose lemonade or rose-flavored club soda to serve with the cuisine.

If you purchase a bottle of rose oil (rose extract), a little goes a long way. The beautiful floral bouquet and flavor can also be used in cakes and icing. Artisan chocolatiers have been adding it to ganache; mixologists use it in cocktails. If you enjoy playing with ingredients, get a bottle.