If you’ve been craving a fresh take on a classic Tom Collins, you’ll love this rose collins cocktail recipe. It’s bright, aromatic, and just a touch wild, shifting the familiar gin-and-lemon base into a gently floral experience. While the original Tom Collins relies on gin, lemon juice, a sweetener, and soda water, the rose collins introduces rose syrup or rose cordial for that romantic twist. Whether you prefer a delicate infusion like El Guapo Rose Cordial or a homemade rose syrup, this cocktail has a sweet floral note that pairs beautifully with gin.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Citadelle Rouge gin (or your preferred gin)
- ¾ oz El Guapo Rose Cordial (or rose syrup)
- ¼ oz Cassis Noir de Bourgogne (optional for added berry depth)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Club soda, to top
- Ice cubes
- Rose petals and a lemon wheel, for garnish
Directions
- Gather your ingredients. Set out the gin, rose cordial or syrup, Cassis Noir de Bourgogne, lemon juice, and plenty of ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, rose cordial, Cassis Noir de Bourgogne, and lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
- Strain or pour the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda to lighten the cocktail and create a gently sparkling finish.
- Garnish with rose petals and a lemon wheel. This final touch lends the drink a bright, elegant flair.
Tips & Variations
- Try a cucumber twist: If you enjoy a green, refreshing note, add an ounce of cucumber juice. This variation follows in the footsteps of bartender Charlotte Voisey’s Cucumber & Rose Collins.
- Make your own rose syrup: Heat equal parts sugar and water, then stir in a small amount of rose water once the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a tarter drink, reduce the sweetener. For a sweeter sip, add a bit more rose cordial or simple syrup.
- Explore different gins: Citadelle Rouge gin brings berry-infused tones, while Hendrick’s gin can play up the floral undertones thanks to its signature cucumber and rose essence.
Nutrition Facts
Cocktail nutrition can vary based on your gin choice and sweeteners. On average, a single rose collins may have around 150–200 calories and a moderate amount of carbs from the sugar content. If you’d like precise numbers, check labels and use a nutrition calculator suited to your ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Trying new twists on time-honored cocktails can spark your creativity behind the bar. The rose collins cocktail recipe offers an elegant fusion of floral, citrus, and berry flavors. It’s just the thing for a springtime gathering or a cozy evening indoors when you want something more playful than a traditional Collins. With a few small adjustments—like switching gins or changing up the garnish—you’ll always have a delightful variation to share with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use a different spirit instead of gin?
Absolutely. If you prefer another base, feel free to experiment. Just keep in mind that gin’s lighter, botanical profile is what highlights the floral aspect of a rose collins most effectively. -
How do I make a homemade cordial or syrup?
Heat equal parts water and sugar until dissolved, remove from heat, then stir in a small amount of rose water. Let it cool, and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. -
Can I skip the Cassis Noir de Bourgogne?
Yes. Omit it if you prefer a lighter, less fruity taste. If you can’t find cassis, you could substitute another berry liqueur or simply leave it out. -
What’s the best way to garnish?
A few rose petals and a lemon wheel make for a simple yet striking presentation. You can also add cucumber ribbons for extra visual appeal if you’re going with the cucumber variation.
Enjoy your rose collins cocktail, and don’t hesitate to personalize it so it perfectly matches your taste. Cheers!
