This rose martini is floral and elegant. It’s a beautiful gin cocktail with delicate rose flavor and a soft pink hue. The lemon brightens everything and keeps it from being too sweet.
About this rose martini
The rose martini is a floral gin cocktail made with gin, rose simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of dry vermouth. It’s easy to make at home and comes together in just a few minutes.
The rose flavor comes from a rose simple syrup made with rose water. It’s subtle and fragrant without being overpowering (no one wants a cocktail that tastes like perfume). The dry vermouth adds a little complexity and keeps the drink from being one-note.
I prefer this with gin because the botanicals complement the floral notes, but vodka works too if you want something cleaner and more rose-forward. Either way, make sure to use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice has a harsher taste that will overpower the rose.
Key ingredients and why
Method
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the gin, rose simple syrup, lemon juice, and dry vermouth.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled the strain into the glass.
- Top with edible rose petals or a lemon twist.
Tips
- Chill your glass. A cold glass keeps the drink colder longer and makes it feel more elegant.
- Start with less syrup. Rose can be strong. Start with 1/2 oz and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice is too harsh for this delicate cocktail. Fresh is essential here.
- Make sure your rose petals are edible. Not all rose petals are safe to eat. Look for organic, food-grade rose petals, or skip the garnish and use a lemon twist instead.
- Make the syrup ahead. Rose simple syrup keeps in the fridge for about 2 weeks, so you can make a batch and have martinis ready whenever you want.
Variations
- Vodka version: Swap the gin for vodka if you want a cleaner taste that lets the rose shine through more.
- Rose gin spritz: Make the martini as usual, then top with sparkling rosé wine instead of serving it straight. Serve over ice in a wine glass.
More martini recipes
Rose Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1/2 oz rose simple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Ice
Garnish
- Rose petals or lemon twist
Instructions
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Combine the gin, rose simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Shake thoroughly until the drink is nicely chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with edible rose petals or a twist of lemon.
Notes
Rose simple syrup – makes 1 cup
1 cup granulated sugar1 cup water
2 – 3 teaspoons food-grade rose water (adjust to taste)
1 tiny drop of red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully disoloves. Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.Start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste, depending on your preference.
Add a tiny drop of red food coloring and stir until the color is evenly distributed
Transfer it to a sterilized, airtight jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
