French 77

Are you a fan of rose water? People tend to love it or hate it. We’re into it, but a little definitely goes a long way. If you get the ratio just right though, it’s fabulous. Definitely adds a lot of flavour to desserts and cocktails.

Given Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day is around the corner, we were inspired to concoct a bevy with rose water and serve it up at our Galentine’s Day party (or this year, our virtual Galentine’s Day party). Rose water isn’t expensive and you can pick it up at most high-end grocery stores, cocktail shops or you can order it online (we share a link down below).  We knew rose water would go well with gin and we also wanted the drink to be pink or red for the occasion. So, we took a classic French 75 cocktail, swapped out lemon juice for grapefruit, sparkling wine for sparkling rosé and added rose water. We were thrilled with the end result. The rose water is subtle, but totally adds depth to the cocktail. Will be making these again and again. In addition to Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day, this is a great cocktail for spring, Mother’s Day and just about any gathering with your gal pals.

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Grapefruit juice (strained)
• 1 oz Simple syrup (2:1 water / sugar ratio)
• 1/3 or 1/2 oz Rose water, depending on your taste (try your rose water first as different brands may have different potency. You can pick up rose water at most high-end grocery stores, or grab it on Amazon here)
• Sparkling rosé (to float)

Add the gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and rose water to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for ten seconds, then strain into a coupe glass. Top with sparkling rosé. Garnish with mini roses or rose petals if you got ’em. Cheers!