Orange blossom water is the very special pure flavoring used in Lebanese baking and across the Middle East as a fragrant floral flavoring.

Orange blossom water is one of the most beloved flavorings in Lebanese baking and Middle Eastern cuisine. Distilled from fragrant orange blossoms, this floral water adds a delicate, sweet aroma to desserts, drinks, and even beauty rituals. While often compared to rose water, orange blossom water has a softer, slightly citrus-floral profile that’s unique and irresistible.

What is Orange Blossom Water?

Known as mazaher (muh-ZUH-her) in Arabic, orange blossom water, also called orange flower water, is a fragrant distillation made from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. Unlike orange extract, it doesn’t taste citrusy or tart. Instead, it’s light, floral, and gently sweet, with an aroma that instantly elevates both sweet and savory dishes.

This delicate floral water is an essential ingredient in Lebanese baklawa (baklava), where just a few drops infuse the syrup and filling with a subtle, unforgettable fragrance. While not as strong or perfume-like as rose water, orange blossom water should still be used sparingly. Its allure lies in its subtlety.

In Lebanese and Middle Eastern kitchens, orange blossom water is a staple for desserts like rice pudding, wedding cakes, and confections, and it pairs beautifully with caramel, honey, or brown sugar. It also shines in drinks, from lemonade and fruit syrups to cocktails like a Gin Fizz or Lebanon’s soothing café blanc (white coffee). Even a teaspoon can transform an ordinary recipe into something extraordinary.

Origins and History

Orange blossom water has been cherished in Middle Eastern kitchens since at least the 17th century. It’s especially prized in Lebanese sweets, where it flavors syrups, cakes, pastries, and puddings. Traditionally, it’s the secret ingredient that elevates Lebanese baklawa, giving the dessert its signature, unforgettable fragrance. Beyond food, orange blossom water has long been valued for its calming aroma, from wedding celebrations to beauty rituals.

Health & Beauty Benefits

Like rose water, orange blossom water extends beyond the kitchen. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it a gentle natural toner, especially for sensitive skin. Spritzed as a mist, it can help calm redness and refresh tired skin. Its aroma also promotes relaxation, making it perfect for adding to bathwater or using as a pillow spray before bed.

Beauty uses include:

• Facial mist (mixed with distilled water in a spray bottle)
• Relaxing bath soak
• Bed linen or room spray for stress relief

Ways to Use Orange Blossom Water in Cooking & Baking

Incorporating it into your cooking is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. Use it sparingly. Usually, ½ to 1 teaspoon is all you need since its fragrance is concentrated.

• As a Flavoring: Use it in desserts like ice cream or rice pudding to release its unique aroma. It pairs soooo very well with caramel and brown sugar. Try it in my recipes for Sticky Date Cake, Pecan Pie Bars, and Caramel Sauce.
• In Beverages and Cocktails: Add a splash to refreshing drinks. It works beautifully in lemonades, teas, and Lebanese “white coffee” or café blanc.
• In Baklawa: I consider it an essential flavoring in Lebanese Baklawa, in the simple syrup, and mixed with the fillings.
• Pairing with Rose Water: This classic combination is great in the simple syrup that is used in many Lebanese recipes. A few drops of each together in a summer fruit salad is divine.

Storage Tips

Keep your bottle in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight. Always close the lid tightly to preserve its aroma. When stored properly, a bottle can last for a year or longer, though its fragrance may fade over time.

Where to Buy It

Find orange blossom water in Middle Eastern shops. My favorite is the pure orange blossom water from Lebanon available in my shop. Some of the finest flower waters in the world are made in Lebanon in small batches by expert makers.

FAQs

Can you drink orange blossom water?

Yes, but in very small amounts. It is safe to consume when used as a flavoring in desserts, drinks, and syrups. Just a few drops in lemonade, tea, or even cocktails can add a refreshing floral note. It should not be consumed in large quantities on its own.