Rose Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
This one’s all about those floral notes meeting tart lemonade, with a little gin to round things out. It looks gorgeous in the glass and the steps are straightforward.
Equipment
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail shaker with lid
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Highball or collins glass
- Bar spoon or just a regular spoon
- Ice cubes
- Small knife for garnishes
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin I usually reach for a floral or light London dry gin
- 1 oz rose syrup store-bought works, but homemade is great too
- 3 oz fresh lemonade
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- Edible rose petals for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint sprig optional
Instructions
- Measure out the gin, rose syrup, and lemonade into your shaker.
- Throw in enough ice to fill it halfway.
- Shake it up—about 10 seconds does the trick.
- Strain everything into your highball or Collins glass that’s already got fresh ice in it.
- Add the club soda or sparkling water on top.
- Give it a gentle stir.
- Top with a lemon wheel, and if you’re feeling extra, a few rose petals and a mint sprig.
Notes
Honestly, the rose syrup makes or breaks it—good stuff gives you that deep floral flavor, not something fake. Sometimes I whip up my own with water, sugar, and a splash of food-grade rose water.
Fresh lemonade is best, but I’ve used the bottled kind in a pinch and it’s fine. If I want it lighter, I’ll just add a bit more club soda.
This recipe’s flexible. I’ve swapped gin for vodka when that’s all I had, or added a dash of elderflower liqueur for more floral punch. If it’s coming out too sweet, just cut back on the rose syrup a bit—maybe half an ounce less.