Rose + Hendrick's

A Match Made in Delightful Drink Heaven!

While visiting with my [multi talented] cousin one particularly warm Spring evening, she offered me a "quite refreshing cocktail". Made with - you guessed it - Rose + Gin. Now, if you know anything about my spirits of choice, they very rarely steer away from Whiskey, Tequila and every so often Vodka. I've tried Gin maybe thrice and absolutely Hated it. And as for rose Anything ...*blegh*...dislike the smell, Loathe the flavor...it just seemed like an awful disaster about to prey on my tastebuds...but in the spirit of being cordial - and because I Love Her, I tried it.

Though I begrudgingly gave it a sip, I was plesantly surprised! This drink was something I absolutely Needed the recipe for. Immidiately. It was Glorious! It offered a deep flavor but was light and refreshing all at the same time. To say I was flabbergasted is putting it mildly; and the rose! I imagined this drink was going to taste like some artificial bitter cheap perfumy kind of acid. It was far from that. It was, in a word, Lovely. I had three lusciously chilled glasses of it before asking her for the recipe. Evidently, she made the rose syrup (that flavored the drink) herself. She directed me towards The Flavor Bender, where she borrowed her tried and true recipe for the base to this drink. She used [the suggested] CORTAS Rose Water instead of petals, I used the same. One day, I would really like to try to make it truly from scratch and steep the petals to first make the rose water myself. After making the rose syrup (follow the link above for the proper measurements she truly created the perfect balance), my cousin mixed in a few more very simple ingredients to craft this delightful cocktail she calls:

Instructions:

• Shake Ingredients with ice for 10 - 15 seconds or until well blended, the liquid should be "cloudy". [Rule is to shake harder or shake longer]
• Fill your preffered glass with fresh ice - an old fashioned works best or a coupe, which is ideally frosted; no ice.
• Pour, garnish with a lemon wheel | (culinary-grade) rose petals, top off with your favorite brand of Ginger Beer and Enjoy!