Sometimes, the simplest recipes are also the most delightful. Rose Milk is one of those. It’s even easier to make than a cup of tea or coffee—just a minute’s worth of effort—and the result is an elegant, refreshing, and subtly fragrant drink.

I recently made it for a gathering at my place for Iftar (more on that below). After spending hours preparing a variety of dishes—some requiring slow cooking and meticulous prep—friends started arriving. I had planned to make Rose Milk but ran out of time. We had other drinks, but Rose Milk was special to me because my mom used to make it for Iftar. So, when I asked if anyone wanted to try it and they said yes, I quickly put it together.

Even though most of my friends at the gathering were from Bangladesh, surprisingly, none had ever had Rose Milk for Iftar while growing up. It was a hit! People kept going back for more, and the next day, I received texts asking for the recipe. Since it’s so easy and delicious, I thought I’d share it here.

What is Iftar?

Iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan (we used the term Ramzaan in Bangladesh when I was growing up). Most Muslims, including my mom and grandmother (who lived with us), fast daily from sunrise to sunset throughout the month. It’s a strict fast—no food or drink, not even a sip of water, is allowed during this time.

Since the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, Ramadan shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar. Some years, it falls during long, hot summer days, making the fast especially challenging, while other times, it occurs during the short, cooler days of winter. No matter when it falls during the year, the rituals are the same.

In our house in Bangladesh, we had the same dishes every Ramadan. Even though they could be made at other times, they were reserved for this special month, making them something we eagerly looked forward to. Alongside the food, my mom would prepare a drink for every Iftar. After breaking the fast with water, we would drink Rose Milk with basil seeds.

The Nutritional Benefits of Basil Seeds

In Bengali, basil seeds are called Tokma. They are similar to chia seeds in that they swell up when soaked in liquid, creating a light, gelatinous, chewy texture. While they don’t have much flavor on their own, they add a unique texture to drinks.

Beyond their consistency, basil seeds are also incredibly nutritious:

✅ High in protein and fiber – Supports digestion and gut health.
✅ Rich in antioxidants – Helps protect against cellular damage.
✅ Omega-3 fatty acids – Good for heart health.
✅ Essential minerals – Contains iron, calcium, and magnesium.
✅ Anti-inflammatory properties – Beneficial for overall well-being.

Interestingly, while my mom didn’t know the detailed nutritional breakdown of basil seeds, she instinctively included them for the Iftar drink. She would have loved knowing that this easy, delicious drink was also scientifically good for the body.

A Little About Ramadan

Beyond fasting, Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, self-reflection, being mindfully kind, and helping those in need. In addition to the spiritual aspect, it’s mandatory for Muslims to give “zakat” during Ramadan – the obligation to donate a portion of one’s wealth to charity whereby 2.5% of annual wealth must go to helping the poor and needy.

The last 10 nights of Ramadan are especially significant. Muslims believe that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during one of these nights through the Angel Gabriel (yes, the same Gabriel from Christianity and Judaism). This night, Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Destiny), is believed to be when each person’s fate for the coming year is determined.

As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims dedicate even more time to prayer, meditation, and good deeds. My parents were kind, generous people who helped others year-round—not just during Ramadan—but it’s good to have a time of year dedicated to spiritual reflection and giving back.

Now, Back to the Rose Milk

You can make Rose Milk without basil seeds, and it’ll take less than a minute from start to finish. However, if you’re using basil seeds, you’ll need to let them soak for about 15 minutes so they expand properly.

Choosing Milk

You can use any type of milk for this drink. My mom preferred it light and so if I were to make it exactly her style, I would use 2% milk. I like it creamier, so I use whole milk. Make sure to add the rose water gradually and taste as you go—rose water can be overpowering, and its scent is stronger in lighter milk. The drink should have a subtle, delicate fragrance.

Adding Rose Water

The strength of rose water varies by brand, which is why it’s important to taste test as you mix. Pure rose water is colorless, so the drink will retain the natural color of the milk.

I’ve seen versions of Rose Milk that are bright pink; that’s because they use Rooh Afza—a syrup brand that contains rose distillate and many other ingredients. While lots of people love it, I personally find Rooh Afza overpowering and too sweet (apologies to its fans!). I prefer rose water that’s just aqua and rose essence.

Sweetness Level

Add as much or as little sugar as you like. The drink should be a little sweet, but not overly so.

Final Thoughts

A cool glass of lightly sweetened milk, infused with the delicate scent of roses… It’s simple and utterly delicious. Whether or not you add basil seeds, Rose Milk is a drink that feels both nostalgic and refreshing—an elegant way to end a long day or celebrate a special moment.