Picture this: You’re ready to whip up a delicious Moroccan feast. You’ve got all your ingredients prepped, spices measured, and tagine preheating. Suddenly, you realize you’re missing a key ingredient: orange blossom water.
This floral water adds a unique and delicate touch to many Middle Eastern and North African dishes. It can feel pretty disheartening to hit pause right as your cooking process is about to start.
But don’t fret. It’s possible that you already have something in your pantry that you can use instead of orange blossom water. Even better, you might be able to quickly make your own.
Knowing that simple alternatives, like rose water, can help you get a similar flavor in your dishes is important. They might not perfectly copy the delicate floral essence of orange blossom water, but they can.
This is especially good to know because orange blossom water can be tricky to find in traditional supermarkets. Finding an alternative with similar aromatic or flavor qualities depends on what you want to accomplish. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Orange flower water is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking that adds a delicate citrus-floral flavor and aroma to dishes But what if you don’t have any on hand when a recipe calls for it? Not to worry – there are plenty of tasty substitutes you can use instead.
Keep reading to learn about the best stand-ins to use when you need an orange flower water alternative. With options like rose water, orange zest, vanilla, and more, you can still achieve bright, complex flavors.
What is Orange Flower Water?
Before diving into substitutes, let’s quickly cover what exactly orange flower water is. It’s made by distilling the fragrant blossoms of Seville oranges, also known as bitter oranges. Seville oranges are too sour and acidic to eat raw. But their peel and flowers make incredibly aromatic ingredients.
The distillation process results in a clear delicate liquid that provides nuanced citrusy and flowery notes. A little goes a long way since orange flower water has potent flavor. Just a teaspoon or two is usually plenty to add unique character to a recipe.
Common uses include desserts beverages, marinades and anywhere you want a subtle citrus perfume. It pairs especially well with almonds, pistachios, and stone fruits.
Best Substitutes for Orange Flower Water
If you don’t have orange flower water for a recipe, don’t fret. Here are some excellent stand-in options to choose from:
Rose Water
Rose water is very similar to orange flower water, making it the best 1:1 substitute. It’s also made by distilling rose petals into an aromatic liquid. You get the same delicate floral character minus the citrusy notes.
Rose water is easy to find at Middle Eastern markets or in the international aisle of well-stocked grocery stores. When using it to replace orange flower water, swap the same amount called for in the recipe.
Orange Zest
Freshly grated orange zest is an easy pantry staple that offers bright citrus flavor without the floral aspect. Focus on just grating the outermost orange peel, avoiding any white pith which can be bitter.
Replace 1/2 teaspoon of orange flower water with about 1 teaspoon freshly grated zest. Add it to batter, doughs, marinades, dressings, and anywhere else you want vibrant orange flavor.
Orange Juice
While it lacks the complexity of orange flower water, orange juice can also be used as a substitute in a pinch. The acidity differs quite a bit, so add sugar or honey to taste if needed to balance it out.
Replace orange flower water with an equal amount of orange juice, or dilute the orange juice slightly with water for a milder flavor.
Orange Extract
Orange extract condenses the fresh citrus taste into a highly concentrated liquid. You just need a tiny amount to provide intense orange zing. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of extract in place of 1/2 teaspoon orange flower water.
Since extracts are strong, add it gradually and taste as you go until you achieve the desired orange flavor.
Orange Liqueur
To add sweetness and a boozy orange flavor, swap in a liqueur like triple sec or Cointreau. Reduce other liquids in the recipe as needed to account for the added moisture.
Replace 1/2 teaspoon orange flower water with around 1-2 teaspoons of orange liqueur. Taste and adjust sugar or liquid as needed.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract complements citrus beautifully. It lacks the specific orange notes but contributes a subtle floral scent. Use a ratio of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract per 1/2 teaspoon orange flower water.
Almond Extract
Almond extract provides a nutty, marzipan-like flavor that works nicely in orange-scented dishes. The cherry and almond notes in this extract somewhat mimic the fruitiness of orange blossoms.
Substitute 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for every 1/2 teaspoon orange flower water called for.
Lavender Extract
The floral and lightly herbal notes from lavender extract make it an unconventional yet pleasant stand-in. Too much lavender can taste soapy, so use a light hand – start with just 1/4 teaspoon lavender extract.
Orange Oil
Expressed right from the orange peel, orange oil packs intense citrus punch. A tiny drop or two is equivalent to around 1/2 teaspoon orange flower water.
Lemon Extract
Lemon extract offers brightness to contrast the floral orange blossom flavors. Use it along with orange zest or juice to create a more complete citrus profile.
Creative Twists on Orange Flower Water
Don’t limit yourself to direct ingredient swaps when you need an orange blossom water alternative. Consider these creative substitutions to capture the spirit of orange flower water:
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Infuse cream or milk with orange zest, then use the citrus-scented dairy as a substitute.
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Add a few drops of neroli essential oil for the floral aspect, plus orange juice for citrus flavor.
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Use jasmine tea in place of water when making simple syrups to infuse florality.
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For beverages, try lemonade with a few drops of orange extract or orange flower-flavored tea.
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Garnish dishes with edible flowers like pansies, nasturtiums, or violets.
What NOT to Use as an Orange Flower Water Substitute
Some ingredient swaps sound promising but fail to deliver on the iconic orange blossom flavor:
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Orange soda – too sugary and artificial tasting
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Orange juice concentrate – the concentrated flavor is far too intense
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Orange marmalade – too sweet and viscous for most applications
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Orange essential oil – much harsher than distilled orange flower water
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Lime or lemon juice – their singular citrus tastes clash with what you want from orange blossom water
When in doubt, your safest bets are rose water, orange zest, vanilla, and almond extract. Their complementary flavors borrow the right aromatic notes from orange flower water.
How to Use Orange Flower Water Substitutes
The best applications for orange flower water alternatives depend on which substitute you select:
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Rose water shines in sweets, drinks, and anywhere you want gentle florality.
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Orange zest adds vibrant fresh flavor to baked goods, salad dressings, meat rubs, and more.
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Orange juice provides tart citrus flavor for sauces, marinades, and beverages.
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Extracts and oils work best to add orange, almond, and vanilla undertones in small amounts.
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Liqueurs lend sweet, boozy orange flavor to sauces, syrups, cocktails, and sweets.
Start by substituting a small amount, then increase to taste if needed to achieve the right orange blossom intensity.
Make Your Own Orange Flower Water
You can even make your own DIY orange flower water if you’re able to source fresh, organically grown orange blossoms. Pick blossoms that are newly opened and still vividly fragrant.
Trim off any stems or leaves, then layer the blossoms in a very clean mason jar. Cover completely with vodka, gin, or a neutral spirit. Allow the blossoms to infuse for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every few days.
After infusing, strain out and discard the blossoms. Dilute the infused spirit to taste with purified water and simple syrup if desired. Store homemade orange flower water in the refrigerator for 3-4 months.
Say Goodbye to Missing Ingredients
Orange flower water may seem obscure, but you have so many options on hand to recreate its magic. Whether you use common ingredients like vanilla and almond extract or get creative with infusions and zests, these substitutes ensure your dish still shines.
Now you can confidently make Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes even if orange blossom water is nowhere to be found. What unique substitutions will you try the next time orange flower water comes calling?
Substitutes for Savory Dishes
When you want to add depth and fragrance to savory dishes like tagines or marinades with orange blossom water, try these alternatives: they have a strong orange flavor that goes well with savory ingredients.
If you want to get a milder citrus note from orange blossom water, choose a good quality orange juice without pulp. A one-to-one substitution usually works well. You can always start with less and add more to taste. Citrus and flowery notes come together in orange blossom water, which is made by distilling orange blossoms.
The orange juice gives the dish a bright and tangy flavor that goes well with the savory ingredients. It adds a burst of freshness and makes the whole thing taste better. Change the amount of orange juice until you get the level of citrus flavor you want. Make sure it goes well with the other savory parts of the recipe.
Best for: Orange juice can be used instead of orange blossom water in savory dishes, salad dressings, marinades for chicken or fish, or glazes for roasted vegetables. It has a tangy and citrusy taste.
Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec work well. They add a complex, zesty flavor to both desserts and savory recipes. Liqueurs tend to taste stronger, so start with half as much orange blossom water as the recipe calls for.
What it’s best for: Orange liqueur can be used instead of orange blossom water in savory dishes, sauces, marinades, or glazes for meats and seafood. Its sweet and citrusy notes add depth and complexity. Use it sparingly so that the alcohol doesn’t overpower the dish, and make sure that the orange flavor goes well with the savory parts without taking over.
Honey naturally adds sweetness and depth to food. It works especially well in savory dishes that need a bit of warmth and depth. Make sure the amount of honey you use is right for the other savory ingredients and that it goes well with the whole dish.
Honey can be used instead of orange blossom water because it has a mild sweetness and thick consistency that goes well with savory foods and recipes like marinades, salad dressings, or glazes for meats and vegetables.
The slightly floral and citrusy notes of orange blossom water can be replaced with the following in drinks, cocktails, or even mocktails:
Orange bitters are a bartenders best friend, offering a complex citrus profile. Just a dash or two in your cocktails or mocktails will make all the difference.
Best for: Orange bitters can be used instead of orange blossom water in Old Fashioneds, Martinis, or mocktails to add a unique, highly concentrated orange essence and complexity. It has a strong citrusy and slightly bitter flavor. Start with a few dashes, adjusting to taste.
Since rose water is a big part of many Middle Eastern drinks, try using it instead of orange blossom water in drinks that call for it. Remember, it has a lighter floral aroma. It’s best to incorporate it gradually.
Best for: Rose water can be used instead of orange blossom water in spritzers, lemonades, or mocktails to make them more refreshing and fragrant, and it gives the drinks a floral and delicate flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste to achieve the desired floral essence in your drink.
Note: You can also use cherry extract instead of orange flower. It has a strong floral flavor and can be used in many drinks instead of orange flower.
Substituting orange flower water doesn’t have to be an exact science. Feel empowered to experiment in the kitchen. You are in control of what flavors you like. But here are some tips to help you along the way and make sure your culinary creations taste great:
- Start small: If you want to use a different ingredient instead of orange blossom water, start with less of it.
- Taste it: After adding a little, check it out and decide if you want more. This keeps the flavor from being too strong and makes sure the profile is just right.
- If you want your dishes to taste more citrusy, you might want to use orange flavor enhancers. Choose natural products to stay away from ones with artificial ingredients. Start with a small amount and make changes as needed.
- Fully read your recipes: Before you start, read all the steps all the way through.
- Enjoy the process: Experimenting is half the fun.
There are quite a few suitable replacements for orange blossom water. Rose water, orange zest, orange extract, orange liqueur, or even a mix of these, depending on the recipe, are all good alternatives. It really comes down to your taste preferences.
To test the flavor, start with half of the orange blossom water substitute and add more if needed. It may take twice as much to get the right taste.
You can’t quite make orange blossom water again, but orange zest and sweet wine will work well as a substitute. Orange blossom water is traditionally made by distilling the petals of bitter orange blossoms in water. For water that tastes like real orange blossom water, let the orange zest soak in the sweet white wine for at least 24 hours. The water will be lightly sweet and slightly citrus-flavored.
Not at all. Orange extract comes from the peel of the orange fruit, while orange blossom water is made by distilling the flower petals of the bitter orange tree. While they both share citrusy elements, they have distinct flavor profiles.
Orgeat, a sweet almond syrup commonly used in cocktails, sometimes calls for orange blossom water. If you dont have any, try substituting an equal amount of almond extract. You can also experiment with a combination of almond and vanilla extracts for added complexity.
It’s certainly frustrating when a highly anticipated baking session gets put on hold due to a missing ingredient. It can be scary to look for the perfect orange blossom water substitute, but I promise you it’s easier than you think.
Now that you know what you need to know, your recipe will be back on track in no time, and you might even find your new favorite ingredient that tastes like orange blossom water!
What Can I Use as an Orange Blossom Water Substitute?
When considering substitutes, keep in mind that they can influence the overall outcome of the dish. Think about how orange blossom water (also called orange flower water in the food world) will be used in your recipe and find a good orange flower water substitute to get the taste and flavor you want.
If you want to use orange extract in baked goods, a savory tagine, or a refreshing drink, there are a few alternatives to orange blossom water that can help you get the same flavor in your food.
Orange blossom water lends a beautiful, delicate touch to pastries and desserts. If you find yourself without it while baking, consider these substitutes:
Additionally, you can consider using orange flavor enhancements to replicate the citrusy flavor in your baked goods.
Rose water, a common ingredient in many recipes, shares a similar floral sweetness with orange blossom water. The petals of bitter orange blossoms are distilled into water to make orange blossom water. This gives the water a unique floral and citrusy taste.
It can be used in place of orange blossom water in most recipes, but because it’s not as strong, you might need a little more. Don’t use too much of it so that it overpowers other flavors. This will give your baked goods a delicate and nuanced floral touch.
Best for: Rose water can be used instead of orange blossom water in baking, Middle Eastern pastries, cakes, and puddings. It gives recipes a floral and slightly sweet flavor. It offers a distinct floral note that complements ingredients such as almonds, pistachios, and citrus fruits superbly.
For a more pronounced citrus flavor, try using orange zest; grated orange peels as orange blossom water substitutes. The flavor of orange zest is similar to biting on orange peel, providing a bright and citrusy taste.
For every tablespoon of orange blossom water the recipe calls for, chop up about one teaspoon of orange zest.
If you want the citrus punch you want without changing the texture of your baked goods, use finely grated orange zest. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference to bring out the overall flavor profile of your recipe.
Best for: Orange zest can be used instead of orange blossom water in recipes for cakes, cookies, and scones to add a fresh citrusy taste and smell. It infuses them with a bright, zesty essence that complements both sweet and savory dishes beautifully.
Try these substitutes for orange zest: 13 Best Orange Zest Substitutes
A more potent option than orange zest, use orange extract sparingly. Start with just a few drops to replace a tablespoon of orange blossom water and adjust to taste. Another potent alternative is orange oil, which offers a concentrated orange and citrusy flavor with mild floral notes.
Best for: Orange extract is another great alternative to orange blossom water in recipes like frostings, cakes, and muffins. It has a strong orange flavor and smell, similar to orange zest but stronger.
If youre looking to add warmth and a touch of sweetness, try incorporating a little vanilla extract. Use half a teaspoon for every tablespoon of orange blossom water called for.
You can change the amount to your liking, but keep in mind that vanilla extract and orange blossom water will have different but complementary flavors.
Best for: Vanilla extract is a versatile stand-in for orange blossom water in cakes, cookies, or custards. It doesn’t taste as citrusy as orange blossom water, but it gives baked goods a rich, sweet, and fragrant profile.
How to make Orange Blossom Water from Scratch
FAQ
What is a substitute for orange blossom water in orgeat?
Is orange flower water the same as orange extract?
Can I use rose water instead of orange blossom water?
Can I use orange flower water as a substitute?
You can use substitutes but it depends on how the orange flower water is being used. If you are using the orange flower water in baking then very finely grated orange zest or 2-3 of drops of orange oil can be used as an alternative. The water is quite delicate so the zest of 1/2 to 1 full orange should be enough.
Can orange be taken for relieving gas?
The formation of intestinal gases may be related to several factors such as dysbiosis, excessive consumption of sweets and sugary foods, premenstrual period, poor digestion. It is important to know the cause to indicate the best treatment. Consuming orange juice as well as other citrus fruits can help, but the ideal is to treat the cause.
What is a good substitute for orange blossom water?
Other alternatives for orange flower water include rose water, almond extract, vanilla extract, orange bitters and orange flavor enhancements. You can also try some other citrus products when nothing else is available. Can I make orange blossom water?
Can you use orange liqueur instead of orange flower water?
Use an equal amount of orange liqueur as a substitute for orange flower water in your recipes. One is solid while the other is liquid, but orange zest can substitute orange flower water in many dishes. The zest is the brightly colored outermost part of the orange.