Love Potion: Rose Gin Cocktail

I was way behind everyone else when it came to enjoying Gin. It took me until the age of 32 to realise that it wasn’t the taste of Gin that I hated but the taste of tonic water. I tried my first Gin cocktail about a year ago, the first time I had tasted Gin without the dreaded tonic and I loved it. Since then I’ve enjoyed Gin on lots of occasions with this Elderflower based cocktail last year becoming a particular favourite.

I have been experimenting with rose flavours in bakes and chocolates this year. I made incredible truffles a few months ago and once I get a little bit of time to retest the recipe I will share them with you. This rose cocktail is so simple that it’s barely a recipe but it packs such a flavour punch. I hosted a cocktail party for my female family members last weekend and this drink was the hit of the night.

On a side note.. if I ever invite you over for a drink and just a few nibbles you will likely arrive to this and lots more besides.

I prepped the gin, cherries and rose water ran hour or so before my guests arrival but didn’t add the chilled lemonade until a minute or two before they arrived. It allowed the cherries to really start to absorb the rose gin flavour and everyone commented on how much of a kick they had! Quantities depend on how many people you are serving so I have given you the ingredients you need and a rough guide per glass but don’t be afraid to go stronger!

Love Potion: Rose Gin Cocktail

You will need:

A decent Gin, don’t go buying the cheapest brand you can find. Good quality makes a big difference

Rose water/extract – I used Nielsen Masseys rose water.

Cocktail cherries

Chilled lemonade

For each cocktail use 50ml gin, 1/2 tsp of rose water and 150ml chilled lemonade. As I stated above it works really well to combine your gin and rose extract along with your decorative cherries a little while before serving for a more intense flavour.