Orange blossom water is a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts and some recipes.
It has unique, with notes of both sweet and bitter orange, reminiscent of jasmine and rose, and a soft citrus scent. Together, these flavors combine to create a unique aromatic taste that adds complexity to dishes like pastries and beverages.
So, Finding An Ideal Orange Blossom water substitute is quite tricky but not that hard because I used some good Alternatives that give my desserts or recipes a similar taste I want.
What do you get from these Alternatives here?
- Fantastic, Affordable alternative to using real orange flowers.
- You can use it easily in cooking and baking, adding an aromatic scent to food along with a subtle hint of citrusy flavor.
- All are Pantry staples so you don’t need to go anywhere
- Easily use and don’t change the final result
- I have details on how to use it or how much you swap
Before jumping to the substituting part, I would discuss a little detail about Orange water and most importantly how to choose the alternatives.
Or, you can check the names below the box…
What can I use instead of Orange Blossom Water- Orange Extract, Orange zest, Orange Liqueur, orange oil, lemon juice or extract, orange flavor enhancements, rosewater, Cointreau, Cherry Extract, Triple Sec, distilled or purified water, Homemade Orange Water.
What is an Orange Blossom Water? What does Orange water Taste like?
Orange blossom water is a clear, refreshing liquid flavoring used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking.
The flavor of orange blossom water can vary slightly depending on the brand. Still, it’s usually described as bright and tangy.
Orange blossom water has a delicate floral aroma. It tastes like orange juice and orange peel, with aromatic citrus notes.
It’s commonly used to flavor desserts, drinks, and savory dishes like tagines and rice pilafs.
orange blossom water where to buy it?
Many supermarkets and specialty stores stock fragrant liquid, some Other convenient options include major online retailers who advertise a variety of sizes and brands, perfect for both small-scale and large-scale use.
Things To Remember While Choosing A Substitute for Orange Blossom Water
There are several factors to consider when looking for an orange blossom water substitute.
- Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. Depending on the application of the orange blossom water, some flavor profiles work better than others – for instance, for baking purposes, using an orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau can be a great alternative that allows you to still retain sweetness and extract powerful notes from the oranges.
- For just floral notes– Rose water or elderflower cordial might be suitable substitutes.
- Consider the type and amount of alcohol contained in these substances: while small amounts of alcohol may not cause an issue in most dishes, larger quantities can lead to undesirable results.
- Adjust measurements accordingly when making substitutions; potent forms such as essential oils should have their quantities significantly reduced to avoid overwhelming flavor in your dish.
10 Ideal Orange Blossom Water Substitutes & How to Use
1. ORANGE EXTRACT
Orange extract is one of the best substitutes out there. There are a few reasons why orange extract might be a better choice for an orange flower water replacement.
Unlike orange flower water, which is a by-product of the distillation of orange essential oil, the orange extract is made from the whole fruit, including the peel.
How much Use- Few drops will works
This means that it contains more antioxidants and bioflavonoids than water.
It is also easier to use, as it is created to make it more soluble in liquids, which means you don’t have to use as much of the extract to get an orange flavor.
Ultimately, the best replacement for orange flower water depends on your needs and preferences.
2. ORANGE ZEST
Orange zest another good and handy replacement for Orange flower water for baking is a nice little change, especially with the citrus season around the corner.
How much use- 1 Tablespoon of Orange zest= 1 cup of Orange Water
Orange zest has a slightly different flavor and is a little less sweet than orange flower water, which makes it perfect for those who want to try something new without losing the baked goods they love so much.
Read More- Healthy Substitutes for Orange Juice
3. ORANGE LIQUEUR
For a more similar flavor try using Orange liqueur instead of orange blossom water. Although liqueur contains some amount of alcohol.
Try a bitter orange liqueur like Campari or Pernod if you really want something with a little more bite. These have a similar flavor to the delicious triple sec but with a bit more of an edge.
If you don’t want to use either of those, there are always alternatives like Grand Marnier and Cointreau.
How to use- You can mix 2 parts vodka with 1 part orange juice and 1 part Grand Marnier for a delicious replica of an Orange Dream cocktail.
or,
Try mixing equal parts vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice for a tasty Cosmopolitan for Cointreau.
4. ORANGE OIL
Orange oil has a similar aroma to orange flower water, but it is more concentrated and lasts longer. ( Source )
Orange oil can be purchased at most health food stores or online. Simply add a few drops of orange oil to your diffuser and enjoy its refreshing scent.
5. LEMON
In some instances, it is possible to use lemon juice or Lemon Extract to substitute for orange flower water. This is because they share a common citrus flavor profile. Use lemon juice or extract in any baking recipe you want.
How to use- To substitute for orange flower water, mix 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1 cup of water.
If you are using store-bought lemon juice, make sure that it is 100% natural lemon juice with no additives.
6. ROSEWATER
Good quality rose water can be used in any recipe that calls for orange blossom water. It has a similar taste and is readily available in most stores. Simply add the same amount of rose water as the Orange Blossom Water required in the recipe.
How much use- 1:1 Ratio
Both rosewater and orange flower water are great for flavoring cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. However, they have different flavors.
Rosewater has a floral flavor that is reminiscent of roses. In contrast, orange flower water has a citrusy flavor that reminds you of oranges.
If you are looking for a subtle flavor, rosewater may be your best choice; instead, for something more distinct, go for orange flower water.
7. COINTREAU
Cointreau is a triple-sec, orange-flavored liqueur made from cognac and bitter oranges.
How to use- 1/2 amount of Cointreau
Cointreau was first produced by Jean-Baptiste Lapostolle in 1875. The drink can be consumed on its owned or combined with other beverages.
Cointreau’s flavor profile is unique and makes it a favorite among mixologists as an ingredient in many cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Sidecar, and French Kiss.
8. TRIPLE SEC
The new Triple Sec is a brilliant substitute for orange flower water or orange blossom water in all types of cocktails.
How to use- As per the recipe require
With it being made from dried orange peels and a sweet yet citrusy taste, it’s a great addition to any dish that calls for orange blossom water. It is The real hero of many traditional drinks, like the margarita.
You can drink it neat as an after-dinner treat. Add to mocktails, sodas, smoothies, and savory recipes too.
9. DISTILLED OR PURIFIED WATER
Another possible substitution is to use distilled or purified water instead of the orange flower water.
Distilled or purified water will give your dish a more subtle flavor than if you were to use lemon juice.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that using distilled or purified water may not always be an option, especially if you are baking.
It is best to use lemon juice as a substitute for orange flower water in this situation.
10. MAKE YOUR OWN ORANGE BLOSSOM WATER
Making your own orange blossom syrup is a great way to add some floral flavor to cocktails or cold drinks like lemonade.
Simply combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and the zest of 2 oranges in a small saucepan over medium flame.
Bring to a boil and cook for around 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the syrup steep for another 5 minutes.
Strain out the solids and let cool completely before using. -This will make about 1 1/2 cups of syrup. You can store any extra in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Now that you’ve learned more about orange blossom water substitute, go out and experiment with it in your favorite recipes!
You might be amazed at how nicely it mixes with other flavors. And who knows, you may just find a new favorite way to enjoy this fragrant elixir!
Tips How to Use Orange Flower Water
-Add it to baked goods such as pound cakes and cupcakes.
-Use it in cocktails, such as an Orange Blossom Margarita, or add it to simple syrup for orange blossom mojitos.
-Add it to cold drinks like lemonade and sparkling water.
It pairs incredibly well with desserts that contain citrus flavors, such as lemon sorbet and chocolate souffle.
Wrap Up On- Substitutes for Orange Flower Water
Orange Flower Water is an excellent substitute for lemon in my recipes. I use it when I want to add some extra flavor but don’t need the acidity of lemons.
It’s also an inexpensive way to get that pleasant orange aroma into baked goods, salads, and desserts!
The orange-flavored liqueur is a common substitute. You can also use rosewater, which has an earthier taste than the citrusy flavors of most other floral waters.
FAQS
What is the difference between orange flower water and orange blossom water?
Both orange flower water and blossom water are by-products and they same made from bitter-orange blossoms.
can I substitute orange blossom water for rosewater?
Orange Blossom Water And Rosewater Are Popular Ingredients Used Commonly In A Variety Of Cuisines And Beauty Products.
While They Have A Similar Flavor Profile, Orange Blossom Water Is Less Intense And Has An Orange-Like Sweetness That Gives A Milder Citrus Hint As Opposed To Rosewater’s Intense Floral Notes.
Unfortunately, Orange Blossom Water Cannot Always Be Used As A Substitute For Rosewater Due To Their Unique Flavor Profiles. Also, It Is Important To Remember That Their Scents Differ Significantly Which May Affect The Overall Outcome Of The Recipe Or Product.