Recipes
4 Romantic Cocktails Featuring Rose
Planning for Valentine’s Day? Take notes!
Is there anything that evokes romance more than a bouquet of roses? With the season of love fast approaching, we’ve gathered a selection of recipes that make use of this beloved bloom. Whether you’ll be mixing these cocktails with a special someone, your most loyal friends, or even yourself (we all deserve the self-love!); these four cocktails are sure to make the occasion that much more special.
JUMP to the recipes ahead!
1. Rosey Cheeks
Starting off with an easy twist on a beloved classic! This gimlet dressed up for Valentine’s Day is bound to make anyone fall in love with its mix of sharp citrus and rose sweetness. One sip may very well make you blush at its deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Rose Simple Syrup*
- Rose Petals, for garnish
Method
Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass over ice, or in a coupe served up. Garnish with rose petals for an extra floral touch!
*To make the simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until combined, and remove from heat. Cool, and add rose water to taste. Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Empress R&R
Valentine’s Day is all about treating yourself and loved ones, and this sip captures that spirit perfectly! After all, it’s even in the name. @marissamakes__ amplifies the rose in our botanical recipe with a homemade rhubarb & rose syrup for a flavour experience that is at once soothing and vibrant. Juicy strawberries add an extra romantic touch and complements the floral notes.
Ingredients
- 2½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 2 oz Rhubarb & Rose Syrup*
- 2-3 Strawberries, diced
- Soda Water, to top
- Rose Petals & Rhubarb Ribbons, for garnish
Method
Muddle the strawberries in a collins glass, then add the gin and the syrup. Stir to combine, then add ice and top with soda water. Garnish with rose petals and rhubarb ribbons. Enjoy!
*To make the syrup, add 3 stalks of rhubarb (chopped), 2 tbsp dried culinary grade rose petals, 1½ cup water, and 1½ cup sugar to a pot and cook over medium heat until the rhubarb has fully broken down. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes before adding a squeeze of lemon juice and straining the syrup into a clean jar. Cool fully before using.
3. Lychee Rose Gin Spritz
You may recognize this iconic beauty by @foodie_renee. Whether it’s the soft burst of lychee, the unique dimension brought on by the rose jam, or stunning presentation; it’s no wonder this sparkling delight is an all-time fave!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Rose Jam
- 2 oz Soda Water
- 4 pieces of Lychee
- Lemon Twist, for garnish
Method
Muddle lychee in a shaker. Add ice and lemon juice; mix well. In a glass, add rose jam and fill it with ice cubes. Pour the lychee mixture into the glass and add soda. Float Empress 1908 Indigo Gin on top. Garnish with lemon twist. Enjoy!
4. Empress Rose Blossom Spritz
Last but certainly not least, @preethi.venkatram brings us this rose quartet with our Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, a flavoured syrup, a decorative rim, and infused ice. If you’re looking to make the most of all-things rose, there’s no better pick than this sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 1 oz Rose Syrup*
- 1-2 Strawberries, chopped
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¼ oz Elderflower Liqueur
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- Soda Water, to top
- Dried Rose Petals, to rim
Method
Brush a little simple syrup on the side of your glass and pass it through the dried rose petals. Set aside. In a cocktail shaker, muddle rose syrup and chopped strawberries. Add fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker. Add ice, and shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass over ice. Top with Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin and soda water. Stir to combine, and enjoy!
*For the syrup, add ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water to a small saucepan and let it simmer, until the sugar has dissolved. Add in ½ cup dried rose buds or petals. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes and then remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, then strain and store it in the refrigerator.
While rose can be divisive, in a balanced cocktail, the elegance and deliciousness it offers cannot be understated. We’d love to know if you give these recipes a shot, especially with how perfectly they fit for the Valentine’s festivities! If you’re in need of more drinkspo to celebrate, check out our roundup from last year!
For more cocktail inspiration, you know where to look – be sure to head on over to our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
