We happen to have some beautiful and very aromatic heirloom roses in our yard that one of the previous homeowners planted. They are fantastic and just one rose fills the den with a gorgeous scent. We don't spray our roses so they are organic. I thought it would be fun to make a cocktail that used the petals. This cocktail is tasty and elegant. You have to make a simple syrup which is really easy.
To a cocktail shaker 1/3 filled with ice add:
4.5 oz of Vodka (I used Napa Valley Distillery - Napa Reserve - it's distilled from sauvignon blanc grapes (so basically a brandy))2 oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice
1.5 oz of rose simple syrup (recipe follows)
Shake or stir and strain into a small cocktail glass. Garnish with a small and thin slice of lemon and a rose petal. Makes (2) cocktails.
Optional: Add a splash of cold club soda
To make the 'rose simple syrup':
Harvest a big organic rose or two. You need about a cup (un-pressed) of very fresh rose petals. Add the rose petals to a sauce pan with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for about 3o minutes. Strain into a a glass jar or bottle that has a lid. I used one of those dressing jars. Let cool. You can store the left-over 'rose simple syrup' in the refrigerator.
Here is the finished simple syrup product - look at that deep rose color!
The rose breasted grosbeak is a beautiful bird. Unfortunately California is not part of their territory. Learn more here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose-breasted_grosbeak
Cheers!
