If you’re looking to add a vibrant, tangy, and naturally sweet boost to your pantry, rose hip syrup is a delightful choice. Made from the bright red fruits of the rose plant, rose hips are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making this syrup not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing.
Whether you’re vegan or simply want a plant-based, wholesome syrup, this best rose hip syrup recipe vegan hits the mark perfectly.
This syrup is versatile — perfect for drizzling over pancakes, stirring into herbal teas, or even jazzing up your favorite desserts and cocktails. Plus, making it at home means you avoid any unwanted preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have you enjoying homemade rose hip syrup in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This rose hip syrup recipe is a vegan-friendly, natural way to sweeten your dishes while reaping the benefits of one of nature’s best superfoods. Unlike store-bought syrups, it uses simple, whole ingredients without any additives or refined sugar.
The process is straightforward, and the result is a rich, fragrant syrup with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Rose hips bring a subtle floral note and a burst of natural vitamin C, making your syrup not just tasty but also a little health boost. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: use it as a sweetener, a topping, or even a base for homemade cocktails.
It’s a pantry staple you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh rose hips (or 1 cup dried rose hips)
- 4 cups water
- 1 to 1 ½ cups organic sugar (adjust to taste; use cane sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for vegan options)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or a few cloves for added warmth
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass jar or bottle for storing syrup
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Funnel (optional, for bottling)
Instructions
- Prepare the rose hips. If using fresh rose hips, rinse them thoroughly and remove the stems and blossom ends. Cut them in half to expose the seeds inside.
- Simmer rose hips. Place the prepared rose hips in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water. Add the optional cinnamon stick or cloves if you want to infuse warm spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mixture. After simmering, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl. Press the pulp gently to extract as much liquid as possible, but avoid forcing seeds through the strainer.
- Measure your liquid. Measure the strained rose hip juice. For every cup of juice, add about ½ to ¾ cup of sugar depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Sweeten the syrup. Return the juice to the saucepan. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling to preserve vitamin C.
- Cool and store. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then pour it into sterilized glass bottles or jars using a funnel if needed. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Tips & Variations
“Be gentle with heating after adding sugar to preserve the natural vitamin C content of rose hips.”
- Sweetener choices: For a vegan twist, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of cane sugar. Adjust the quantity as these sweeteners vary in intensity.
- Flavor infusions: Add a vanilla bean, star anise, or a few slices of fresh ginger while simmering for a unique flavor profile.
- Storage: Rose hip syrup can also be frozen in ice cube trays and used as needed.
- Straining: For a clearer syrup, strain twice or use a very fine cheesecloth.
- Make it thicker: To create a thicker syrup or rose hip molasses, simmer the syrup longer on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 2 Tbsp Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50-70 (varies by sweetener) |
| Carbohydrates | 13-18 g |
| Sugars | 12-16 g |
| Vitamin C | 15-25% Daily Value* |
| Fiber | Trace (mostly removed during straining) |
*Vitamin C content depends on processing and heating time.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over vegan pancakes or waffles for a fruity, vitamin-packed syrup alternative.
- Mix into sparkling water or herbal teas for a refreshing homemade soda.
- Use as a topping for vegan yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding.
- Combine with lemon and ginger for a soothing, immune-boosting hot drink.
- Try it as a glaze for roasted veggies or vegan meats for a subtle tangy sweetness.
Conclusion
Making your own rose hip syrup is a rewarding way to capture the bright flavors and health benefits of rose hips in a delicious, vegan-friendly form. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a natural sweetener that enhances everything from breakfast to beverages and beyond.
The vibrant color and fresh, tangy taste will quickly make this syrup a favorite in your kitchen.
Plus, by making it yourself, you control the quality and can experiment with flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you use it as a daily vitamin C boost or a special treat, this rose hip syrup recipe is a fantastic addition to any vegan pantry.
Want to explore more plant-based recipes? Check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes, the delightful Magic Dough Recipe, or the sweet and fragrant Marzipan Challah Recipe for more culinary inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Best Rose Hip Syrup Recipe Vegan
Description: A sweet and tangy rose hip syrup perfect for teas and desserts. This vegan recipe is simple and uses natural ingredients.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh rose hips, cleaned and halved
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Rinse and halve the rose hips, removing seeds.
- Place rose hips and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until soft.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
- Return the liquid to the pan and add sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick.
- Simmer gently for 15 minutes until syrup thickens.
- Remove cinnamon stick and stir in vanilla extract and agave syrup if using.
- Let cool, then pour into sterilized bottles and refrigerate.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Carbs: 30g
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