The team at Rock Rose Gin Distillery, the guys behind the magnificent Rock Rose Citrus Coastal Edition Gin, which we sent our members in their August 2020 Gin of the Month box, are masters of their craft. And that certainly shows when it comes to their cocktail recipes, they are all so perfectly matched to the gins in their collection!
We have selected 4 of our favourites. One uses the delectable spiced and berry-forward Rock Rock Autumn Edition, the second recipe uses the powerful Navy Strength Rock Rose Gin, the third uses the soft, citrus delight that is Rock Rose Pink Grapefruit Old Tom Gin and the fourth uses their seminal Rock Rose Original Gin - a classic London dry. We’re stocking each of these superb spirits in our online shop (while stocks last), so you can choose your favourite - or all four! - and then try your hand at each of the fantastic cocktails below! Cheers!
Highland 75
Full of vibrant citrus and Highland berry tones, which work so well with the lightly spiced, berry and juniper notes of the gin, this Scottish version of the classic French 75 cocktail is divine!
Ingredients
50ml Rock Rose Autumn Edition
15ml lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup
A couple of drops of Blaeberry & Basil Liquid Garnish (produced by the same distillers)
Champagne or dry Prosecco
Method
Muddle the pink peppercorn and 3 strawberries in the bottom of a shaker then fill with ice. Add the Rock Rose Gin, grapefruit juice and sugar syrup. Shake until a thin ice crust forms on the outside of the shaker. Fill a highball glass with ice. Strain the liquor into the glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a strawberry and serve.
Navy Strength Negroni
Punchy and rich, this Negroni, made with Navy Strength Rock Rose Gin, is a must-try! The mix of the gin, Campari and red vermouth is absolutely divine!
Ingredients
25ml Navy Strength Rock Rose Gin
25ml Campari
25ml red vermouth
Strip of orange peel, to garnish
Method
Add all ingredients to a glass Stir well with ice Garnish with the orange peel.
Apricot Blossom
A special cocktail for a special gin, this recipe combines the delectably fragrant and sweet tones of apricot with the scrumptiously soft, grapefruit citrus profile of Rock Rose Pink Grapefruit Old Tom Gin.
Ingredients
50ml Pink Grapefruit Old Tom
25ml apricot brandy
1 large teaspoon apricot jam
¼ of a pink grapefruit
20ml lemon juice
Method
Apricot brandy is simple to make by infusing both fresh and dried apricots with sugar and brandy, you just need the patience to let the flavours infuse for a couple of months! But you can also buy apricot brandy online and in some supermarkets.
For the cocktail: Squeeze the grapefruit into a cocktail shaker, add the apricot jam and mix until dissolved. Add the rest of the ingredients and pack the shaker with ice. Shake, then fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit and a fresh basil leaf.
Paddington’s Negroni Sour
Named for the inclusion of Paddington Bear’s favourite food, orange marmalade, in the recipe, this cocktail is a delightfully vibrant sour with a wonderfully soft foam crown and a divine bitter sweet edge.
Ingredients
35ml Rock Rose Gin
35ml sweet red Vermouth
35ml Campari
25ml lemon juice
2 tsp orange marmalade
1 egg white
Dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
Method
Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with no ice for 20 seconds. Add a cup of cubed ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain into your chosen glass and garnish with twisted orange peel or a slice of blood orange when in season
All four of these remarkable gins are now available from our online shop! (While stocks last)