Rose Cocktail Recipe

More on the Rose Cocktail

The Rose Cocktail is pretty unusual. What we usually see in cocktail recipes is a strong base spirit combine with modifying spirits to add further flavour plus non-alcoholic ingredients to add further flavour and dilute things. The Rose Cocktail, however, concentrates on Dry Vermouth as its base, with Cherry Brandy acting to modify the flavour, then a little bit of Raspberry Syrup to add more interest. In a lot of ways it’s like a Reverse Martini, but using Cherry Brandy instead of Gin. Reverse cocktails are interesting. They can be a little confronting, as the flavours in Vermouth are only supposed to be slight accents rather than bold and up front, but they can also be bold and interesting because they’re a bit unusual! So if you like a reverse recipe or if you’re interested in something just a little bit different, perhaps the Rose Cocktail is for you?

Is it possible to batch make this cocktail?

Yes, since this is a pretty simple cocktail just made in a mixing glass, you’re welcome to add more of everything to the glass to make a bigger batch. If you want to make a lot of Rose Cocktails, you could also make a batch in a larger jug. Just make sure everything is chilled well and mixed properly.

If I make this cocktail in advance, is that OK?

Making a few of these in advance and serving them later should be OK. Just don’t leave the ice in the mixture otherwise your cocktail will become diluted. Make the Rose Cocktail (or cocktails!) and leave it in the fridge to stay cool, without the ice.

When is the best time for a Rose Cocktail?

While this recipe is very Dry Vermouth heavy, it’s counteracted by both the Cherry Brandy and the little bit of Raspberry Syrup. The herbal aspects of the Dry Vermouth aren’t too overpowering, and it actually has a little bit of sweetness. Not too much sweetness though, it’s actually quite well balanced! Because of this, we wouldn’t put this cocktail into any specific category regarding food. As there’s a few flavours in there, we don’t think it would be a good cocktail to have with food. We also don’t see it as a cocktail to have as either a pre-dinner or an after dinner drink. It wouldn’t be bad per se, but there are better cocktails that fit this bill.

Instead, reserve the Rose Cocktail for parties or times when you’re around people. Those times when you’re having cocktails “just because.” The Rose Cocktail is striking to look at and will (hopefully) impress others. So hold onto this until you can show it off.

How strong is the Rose Cocktail

Although Brandy can often be fairly strong, it can also be fairly variable by brand and style. We usually see it at about 24% though, which is relatively low as spirits go. Dry Vermouth, on the other hand, comes in pretty low at 18% ABV, which is only moderately stronger than most wines. As cocktails go the Rose is actually relatively low in alcohol. We’re not going to go as far to say that this is a low alcohol cocktail, as cocktails generally come in higher than other drinks, but we are prepared to say that it’s lower than average. It’s not a low alcohol cocktail, but it’s a lower alcohol cocktail if that makes sense.

What’s the best style of music to put with a Rose Cocktail?

We don’t have a lot on this one. As mentioned, while the Rose is a wonderful cocktail, it sits in that place where it’s just there for drinking. Some of the best cocktails are this way. In fact, what makes some cocktails great is that they don’t need to be more than they are. They’re just simply great drinks.

For cocktails like this we usually suggest some nicer cocktail party music. Some Light Jazz or even a String Quartet would go nicely. We’re thinking very nice occasions where people mingle around a garden party with cocktails in hand. The bar is well stocked with bartenders who know how to make anything. So add a touch of class to the evening with a Rose Cocktail and some classier music than normal.