I’m lucky enough to live in Seattle, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. One of my favorite times of year is when the rose gardens are in full bloom. The vibrant colors and sweet scents fill my senses and stoke my imagination. Recently, I visited the Seattle Rose Garden, a true floral oasis in the heart of the city. Inspired by the beautiful blooms, I set out to create a cocktail that would capture the essence of summer in a glass. The result is the Rose Garden cocktail, an easy-to-make drink that you can enjoy any time you want to bring a little bit of the outdoors into your home. And if you’re ever in Seattle, I highly recommend getting out and exploring amazing gardens – they’re sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Rose Garden Cocktail
Who Needs a Bouquet When You Can Have a Rose Garden Cocktail? This Rose Garden Cocktail truly captures the essence of a summer stroll through a fragrant rose garden. It’s a symphony of floral notes that dance on the palate, with a delicate sweetness that mimics the taste of pure romance and tranquility. Each sip is a perfect indulgence, inviting you to slow down and appreciate the finer things in life.
A Blend of Flavors and Aromas
The base of the Rose Garden cocktail is none other than the tried-and-true gin martini, with a twist. Although I love a good martini, the Bellevue Botanical Gardens put me in a decidedly floral mood. I added a touch of sweetness with simple syrup and a delightful floral flavor with Bitter Girl Bitters Rose Bitters. The result is a slight elevation of an already-treasured classic cocktail. This recipe will come in handy when you’re having a mid-winter longing for a summer afternoon outdoors.
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Directions
- In your cocktail shaker, combine all the required ingredients with ice. Shake vigorously to chill and blend the flavors.
- Double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to ensure a smooth, crystal-clear presentation.
- Garnish with fresh rose petals to add a touch of natural beauty and aroma.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Rose Garden Cocktail experience, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- For a more intense rose flavor, consider using a rose liqueur instead of rose syrup. The liqueur packs a concentrated punch of floral notes.
- Make your own rose syrup by gently simmering sugar and water with fresh rose petals. The result is a vibrant, fragrant syrup that adds an authentic rose essence to your cocktail.
- For a sparkling version, simply top off your Rose Garden Cocktail with a splash of soda water or champagne. The effervescence adds a delightful bubbly texture.
- Use chilled liquids. Bubbly tonic water is cold and crisper, and the drink retains its fizzy carbon dioxide bubbles longer.
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Stop and Smell the Roses… in Your Cocktail Glass.
Whether you’re sipping this cocktail in your own backyard or daydreaming of a stroll through a rose garden, the Rose Garden Cocktail is a sensory escape. It’s a reminder that even the simplest pleasures can be elevated with a little creativity and a touch of nature’s beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this cocktail too fancy for a beginner?
Not at all! The Rose Garden is a simple twist on a classic drink. If you can make a martini, you can make this.
Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just skip the gin and add a little extra soda water or sparkling lemonade.
Where can I find rose petals?
You can find edible rose petals at most specialty grocery stores or online. If you’re lucky enough to have roses in your own garden (or a friend’s!), you can use those as well. Just make sure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides.
Can I use other types of bitters?
Yes! Experiment with different flavors of bitters to find your favorite combination. Orange or grapefruit bitters would also pair well with the rose flavors.
What kind of gin should I use?
Any type of gin will work, but a London Dry gin will give you a classic martini flavor. If you want something a little different, try a floral gin or a gin infused with citrus.
Rose Garden Cocktail
Course: Cocktails1
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minutesRaise your glass to the Rose Garden Cocktail, a delicate and fragrant ode to blooming romance! Cheers to this enchanting elixir, where the essence of roses intertwines with the subtle sweetness of spirits, creating a captivating symphony of flavors that delights the senses.
Ingredients
2 oz. — Gin
1 oz. — Dry Vermouth
0.5 oz. — Simple Syrup
8 Drops — Rose Bitters
0.25 oz. — Lemon Juice
Directions
- In your cocktail shaker, combine all the required ingredients with ice. Shake vigorously to chill and blend the flavors.
- Double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to ensure a smooth, crystal-clear presentation.
- Garnish with fresh rose petals to add a touch of natural beauty and aroma.
Notes
- The Rose Garden Cocktail, with its delicate floral notes and elegant presentation, is typically served in a coupe glass. Alternatively, a Nick & Nora glass can also be used. This glass, similar in shape to a coupe but with a slightly smaller bowl, helps to concentrate the aromas and provides a comfortable grip.
