Raspberry Rose Royale Cocktail Recipe

Raspberry Rose Royale: A Romantic Twist on a Timeless Classic

February often demands a certain kind of magic. As the winter chill lingers, we find ourselves gravitating toward flavors that feel like a soft promise of spring. Enter the Raspberry Rose Royale—a sophisticated, floral evolution of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. This isn’t just a drink; it is a sensory experience designed to elevate your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) celebrations with a stunning pink hue and a profile that is as complex as it is refreshing.

A “Kick” with a History

While our version is soft and romantic, the ancestry of this drink is surprisingly bold. The original French 75 (or Soixante Quinze) was created at the legendary Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during World War I. It was named after the French 75mm field gun because the combination of gin and champagne was said to have a “kick” comparable to being hit by the powerful artillery piece.

In our Royale interpretation, we have “softened the artillery” by introducing the delicate notes of rose and the tart brightness of fresh raspberries. By swapping traditional champagne for a Sparkling Rosé, we add a layer of red fruit complexity that makes the spirit feel more lush and celebratory.

The Anatomy of the Sip

The beauty of the Raspberry Rose Royale lies in the interplay between the botanical structure of the gin and the effervescence of the wine. The raspberry-rose syrup acts as the bridge, mellowing the sharp acidity of the lemon and creating a velvety mouthfeel. It is a high-acid, palate-cleansing cocktail, making it the perfect companion for a rich charcuterie board or a decadent box of dark chocolate truffles.

Ready to get shaking? Pick up a bottle of premium Gin and your favorite Sparkling Rosé at your local Liquor Plus and follow our simple recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Gin (a citrus-forward or floral gin works best)
• 3 oz Sparkling Rosé (chilled)
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz Raspberry-Rose Simple Syrup (see note below)
• Garnish: Fresh Raspberries and a Lemon Twist
• Ice: High-quality cubes for shaking

Note on the Syrup: To make the syrup at home, simmer equal parts sugar and water with a handful of fresh raspberries. Once the sugar is dissolved, add a single drop of food-grade rose water, then strain and cool.

Instructions:

1. Shake and Chill:
   Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and raspberry-rose syrup. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. You want the shaker to feel frosty to the touch; this ensures the gin is properly aerated and ice-cold.

2. The Royale Finish:
   Fine-strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or a vintage coupe glass. Top slowly with the chilled Sparkling Rosé. The bubbles will naturally incorporate the flavors, so there is no need to stir.

3. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with fresh raspberries and a lemon twist. The lemon oils provide an immediate aromatic hit that perfectly complements the floral rose notes of the first sip.