Rosé is one of the most versatile wines out there. It’s a go-to sipper but it’s also adaptable to other seasons. Rosé wines can function as a fantastic cocktail base as it can impart nice color and some bright acidity. It offers pleasant flavors like strawberry, raspberry, and citrus. Additionally, rosé pairs with most spirits, specifically gin, tequila, and vodka. And being wine, Rosé has a way of melding the flavors of other ingredients in the cocktail.
The best way to bring out pink wine’s nimble nature is to throw it atop one of your favorite mixed drinks. Want a fruity kick to your cocktail? Try splashing rosé in a daiquiri. Opting for a more balanced flavor? Consider infusing it with gin and tonic. It works well with amaro like Aperol, especially when hit with some fizzy water and a twist of orange or lemon. Or, use it liberally in your favorite margarita recipe. Below are a few of the best rosé cocktail recipes you can make at home, from straightforward easy-to-make options to wildly complicated incarnations.
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A Bouquet of Rosé
This cocktail displays just how well pink wine goes with the aromatic qualities of gin as well as herbs and citrus. The addition of rosemary gives it an autumnal edge while Lillet Blanc’s signature concentrated fruit flavors and floral fragrance pair beautifully with the rosé.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz rosé
- 1.5 oz gin
- .75 oz Lillet Blanc
- 3 oz ruby-red grapefruit juice
- 1 rosemary sprig
Method:
- Fill lowball glass 3/4 full of ice and build the ingredients over the top.
- Stir and serve with a grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig.
Bubbly Strawberry Mojito
Those having summer withdrawals will find peace with this sun-kissed drink. It’s refreshing, a bit tropical, and emphasizes the natural partnership that is rosé and strawberries.
Ingredients:
- 3.5 oz rosé
- 1.25 oz rum
- .75 oz simple syrup
- 2 strawberries, halved
- 2 sprigs mint leaves
- 1 lime wedge
Method:
- Place simple syrup, mint leaves, and limes in mixing glass and muddle well.
- Stir in the rum before gently stirring in the rosé to combine.
- Pour over ice in a highball glass and garnish with strawberries.
Lavender Rosé Sparkling Lemonade
A relatively simple cocktail, this drink shows just how close Rosé is to red wine. By adding a bit of weight and aromatic complexity via the lavender syrup, you’re practically turning pink wine into red wine, before toning it down again with some citrus and bubbly water.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz rosé
- 3 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup (use lavender essence or infuse lavender buds in hot water and sugar for 15 min)
Method:
- Fill highball glass 3/4 full with ice, add rosé, lavender simple syrup, and lemon juice, then stir.
- Top with sparkling water of your choice.
- Garnish with a lavender sprig.
