Ever had one of those warm evenings when a glass of rosé just isn’t quite special enough? That’s where the Kiss from A Rosé Cocktail comes in—transforming your favorite pink wine into something truly extraordinary. This blushing beauty takes the crisp, fruity notes of rosé and elevates them with bright citrus, a hint of sweetness, and just enough sparkle to make any gathering feel like a celebration.
Trust me, once you try this sophisticated yet simple cocktail, regular rosé might never seem quite the same again.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes the Kiss from A Rosé Cocktail so special is its perfect balance—it’s refreshing without being too sweet, elegant without being fussy. Unlike many cocktails that require obscure ingredients or complicated techniques, this drink comes together in minutes with items you likely already have if you enjoy rosé. The vibrant pink hue makes it incredibly Instagram-worthy, while the flavor profile appeals to both cocktail enthusiasts and those who typically stick to wine.
It’s also incredibly versatile—dress it up with fresh herbs and edible flowers for fancy gatherings, or batch it in a pitcher for casual backyard parties.
Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger or measuring tool, fine-mesh strainer, wine glass or coupe glass
Kiss from A Rosé Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 oz dry rosé wine preferably one with notes of strawberry or citrus
- 1 oz gin a floral gin works beautifully here
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Lemon twist or fresh berries for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Chill your glass by placing it in the freezer for about 5 minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
- Add ice to your cocktail shaker, filling it about halfway to ensure proper dilution and chilling.
- Pour in the rosé, gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup measuring carefully with a jigger for perfect balance.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and cold to the touch.
- Empty your chilled glass of any ice water and strain the cocktail into it, leaving room for the club soda.
- Top with club soda for a gentle effervescence that lifts the entire drink.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a few fresh berries that complement your rosé’s flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and the bubbles are still lively.
Notes
- The quality of your rosé matters significantly—choose a dry variety with good acidity rather than a sweeter option.
- If you prefer a less botanical flavor, you can substitute vodka for the gin.
- For a large batch, mix everything except the club soda in advance, then add the sparkling element just before serving.
- The simple syrup can be infused with herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Frozen berries can double as ice cubes and add subtle flavor as they melt.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 175 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 10g (primarily from the wine and liqueur)
- Alcohol content: Roughly 15-18% ABV
- Dietary notes: Gluten-free (when using gluten-free gin), vegan
- Allergen information: No common allergens; contains alcohol
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too sweet a rosé – this will throw off the balance and make your cocktail cloying. Stick with dry varieties.
- Shaking too gently – proper dilution and aeration come from a vigorous shake, which integrates flavors and achieves the right temperature.
- Skipping the fresh lemon juice – bottled versions lack the bright acidity needed to balance the sweet elements.
- Adding the club soda to the shaker – this will flatten your drink; always add carbonated ingredients last and directly to the glass.
- Serving in a warm glass – temperature matters greatly in cocktails; a warm glass will quickly melt ice and dilute flavors.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No elderflower liqueur? Try a splash of honey syrup with a drop of rose water, or use Lillet Blanc for a different but complementary profile.
- For a non-alcoholic version: Combine alcohol-free rosé (or white cranberry juice with a splash of grenadine), botanical non-alcoholic spirit alternative, elderflower syrup, and lemon juice.
- Substitute prosecco for the club soda for an even more celebratory feel (adjust sweetness accordingly).
- For a stronger drink, increase the gin to 1.5 oz and reduce the rosé slightly.
- Grapefruit juice can replace lemon for a different citrus dimension that pairs beautifully with rosé.
FAQs
What type of rosé works best in this cocktail?
Look for a dry, crisp rosé with notes of strawberry, citrus, or stone fruit rather than a sweeter variety. Provence-style rosés are ideal as they typically have the mineral quality and brightness that work perfectly in this cocktail. Avoid white zinfandel or other sweet pink wines that would make the final drink too sugary.
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! For batching, multiply all ingredients except the club soda and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pour into individual glasses over ice and top each with fresh club soda. This keeps the effervescence intact while still allowing for easy party preparation.
Is there a way to make this cocktail more summery with seasonal fruits?
Yes, this cocktail is fantastic with fresh seasonal fruit additions. Try muddling 2-3 fresh strawberries, raspberries, or peach slices in the bottom of your shaker before adding other ingredients. Strain carefully to remove solids, but the fruit essence will beautifully complement the rosé base. You can also infuse your simple syrup with herbs like basil or lemon verbena for added complexity.
What’s the best glassware to serve this cocktail in?
A wine glass showcases the beautiful color and allows space for the aromatic qualities to develop, but a coupe or Nick & Nora glass adds vintage elegance. If serving outdoors, stemless wine glasses are more practical and still display the cocktail beautifully. Whatever glass you choose, chilling it beforehand makes a significant difference in maintaining the proper temperature.
How can I adjust the sweetness level of this cocktail?
The sweetness balance is easily customizable. If you prefer a drier cocktail, reduce the elderflower liqueur to ¼ oz and omit the simple syrup entirely. For a sweeter version, increase simple syrup to ½ oz or add an additional splash of elderflower liqueur. Remember that the type of rosé you use will also affect sweetness, so adjust accordingly after tasting.
Can I use sparkling rosé instead of still rosé in this recipe?
Yes, but with modifications. If using sparkling rosé, omit the club soda to avoid over-dilution and excessive carbonation. Also, rather than shaking (which would diminish the bubbles), stir the other ingredients gently with ice, then strain into your glass and top with the sparkling rosé. This creates a different but equally delightful variation on the original recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Kiss from A Rosé Cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s a little moment of celebration in a glass. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, this blushing cocktail brings a touch of elegance to the everyday. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with seasonal fruits or herbs. In the world of cocktails, it’s these personal touches that often create the most memorable sips.
