Rose water is a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient. You either appreciate the delicate floral notes or it makes you feel like you’ve been punched in the face with your grandmother’s perfume. It’s a fine line. A subtle amount of rose water can transform baked goods, jam, ice cream and, of course, cocktails. The first time I fell in love with rose water was at Balaboosta in New York City. I ordered the knafeh for dessert — a Middle Eastern cheesecake made with thin shreds of phyllo dough. It was served with this delicate rose water ice cream and topped with pistachios. I promptly ordered a bottle of rose water and began plotting ways to use it.  Check out my article on SheKnows.com!

Rose water grapefruit cocktail recipe

Makes 1 cocktail

• 1-1/2 ounces vodka
• 1-1/2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 ounce honey
• 1/2 teaspoon rose water
• splash of Campari
• 4 ounces club soda
• lemon peel for garnish

Mix vodka, grapefruit juice, honey and rose water in a cocktail shaker. Pour over ice and top with club soda and a splash of Campari. Garnish with lemon peel.