Rose Gin Recipe – Cardamom & Rose Lemonade Cocktail

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Gin Recipe – Cardamom & Rose Lemonade Cocktail

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a cocktail that feels a little… special. Something beyond the usual. Well, let me introduce you to my Rose Gin Cocktail – a beautiful blend of floral notes, a hint of spice, and a whole lot of refreshment. I first made this for a small garden party last summer, and it was the drink of the day! It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, and the aroma alone is enough to transport you to a rose garden.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another gin cocktail. The cardamom rose simple syrup adds a unique warmth and complexity that perfectly complements the floral rose lemonade. It’s light, it’s fragrant, and it’s absolutely delicious. Plus, it looks gorgeous! Seriously, the dried rose petal garnish makes it feel like you’re sipping on a little bit of luxury. It’s perfect for a relaxing evening, a special occasion, or just when you want to treat yourself.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this little slice of heaven:

• 2 oz Gin
• 2 teaspoons Cardamom Rose Simple Syrup
• A few dashes Cardamom Bitters
• 1 bar spoon Rose Cordial Syrup
• 2 oz Rose Lemonade

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your cocktail.

• Gin Varieties: Honestly, you can experiment! London Dry Gin is a classic choice and provides a nice, crisp base. But I also love using a floral gin – something with hints of lavender or chamomile – to really amplify those floral notes.
• Cardamom Rose Simple Syrup – Homemade vs. Store-Bought: You can definitely find cardamom rose simple syrup online or in specialty stores. But making your own is SO rewarding! It’s easier than you think, and you can control the intensity of the cardamom. I have a recipe on the blog if you’re interested!
• Rose Cordial Syrup – Authenticity & Flavor: This is where things get interesting. Authentic rose cordial syrup is made from rose petals and has a delicate, almost perfume-like flavor. Look for brands that use real rose extract. It makes a huge difference.
• Rose Lemonade – Fresh vs. Bottled: Freshly made rose lemonade is divine, but a good quality bottled version works in a pinch. If you’re making your own, be sure to strain it well to remove any pulp.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get mixing!

1. First, fill a cocktail shaker or pitcher with plenty of crushed ice. We want this drink cold.
2. Pour in the 2 oz of gin and 2 teaspoons of that gorgeous cardamom rose simple syrup.
3. Now, add a few dashes of cardamom bitters. Don’t overdo it – a little goes a long way!
4. Using a bar spoon, gently add 1 bar spoon of rose cordial syrup and give everything a good stir. You want it well combined.
5. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with more crushed ice.
6. Finally, garnish with a few dried rose petals and serve immediately. Doesn’t that look pretty?

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way…

• Chill your gin and rose lemonade beforehand for an extra frosty cocktail.
• Don’t skip the stirring! It’s important to properly chill and dilute the drink.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the simple syrup or rose cordial to your liking.

Variations

Want to make this cocktail your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level – Adjusting Cardamom: If you really love cardamom, feel free to add a pinch of ground cardamom directly to the shaker. My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy kick!
• Sweetness – Modifying Simple Syrup: Not sweet enough? Add a little more simple syrup. Too sweet? Reduce the amount or use a less concentrated syrup.
• Alcohol-Free – Rose Lemonade Mocktail: Simply omit the gin and add a splash of sparkling water. It’s still incredibly refreshing!
• Festival Adaptations – Summer/Wedding Refreshment: For a larger batch, multiply the ingredients accordingly and prepare the simple syrup and rose lemonade ahead of time. It’s perfect for summer weddings or garden parties.

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail pairs beautifully with light bites like cucumber sandwiches, fruit skewers, or macarons. It’s also lovely with a small plate of Indian sweets – the floral notes complement the flavors perfectly.

Storage Instructions

This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store the cardamom rose simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make the cardamom rose simple syrup ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually benefits from sitting for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld.
• What type of gin works best in this cocktail? London Dry Gin is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with floral gins for a more pronounced rose flavor.
• Where can I find rose cordial syrup? Check specialty food stores, online retailers, or even some well-stocked supermarkets.
• Can I use fresh rose petals instead of dried for garnish? You can, but make sure they’re organic and pesticide-free. They won’t last as long as dried petals, though.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the cocktail? Simply add more or less simple syrup to taste.
• Is it possible to make this cocktail a larger batch for a party? Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Prepare everything ahead of time and chill until ready to serve.