This vermouth cocktail, the blushing rose, might seem a little unusual, but it's a deliciously fragrant and flavorful drink. And perfectly pink!
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It's Friday. It's the weekend before Valentine's Day, and so if ever there was an excuse to share a fragrant pink cocktail, this is it. Since I'm getting a little more in the Valentine's Day spirit this year (what with my crisped pork belly, scallop pasta and bacon lobster omelette), I decided to make a special drink.
This vermouth cocktail is definitely a bit different from your regular cocktail, but believe me, it works. Floral, aromatic and packing a punch, it's a beautiful pink sip.
Vermouth: an under-used spirit
Vermouth to me is greatly under-used and under-enjoyed by most. My experience isn't typical. I remember my grandpa giving me vermouth and tonic as a kind of lighter version of gin and tonic. I think it was an excuse for him to have one too! Then when I lived in Catalunya in Spain, we regularly had 'vermut rojo' (red vermouth) as a pre-dinner drink. Catalunya's red vermouth is a bit different from the more common Martini or Cinzano Italian versions. The Catalan vermouth is a bit more aromatic/herbal and drier. Personally I much prefer it, but it's hard to find. Even in Southern Spain, it's not that common.
Despite all that, though, this vermouth cocktail is made with the more common clear/white vermouth (extra dry). That said, I think either would work. And since I know you may not even have dry vermouth hanging around, that's where Drizly comes in, who I am partnering with today as I am excited to be joining their group of Top Shelf Bloggers.
We've all been there, whether it's buying everything for a party except drinks or you've run out of beer or wine and can't face heading out in the cold. Drizly is a handy service that can deliver what you need, at the touch of a button. From beers, wines and spirits as well as extras like juice, they work with local stores in major cities to drop it to your door, whether that's in an hour or tomorrow. And as a Top Shelf Blogger, I'll be bringing you some tasty cocktails to use your purchases, like this one.
How it's made
I had the thought of making a cocktail with rosewater. The fragrant flavor seemed fitting for Valentine's Day, and the aromatic flavor of vermouth was the perfect spirit to match. Hibiscus tea has that similar herbal, floral quality so I added some cold hibiscus tea. Push some raspberries through a sieve to keep out the seeds, add a little sugar and rum or cachaça, then mix it all up. It's best shaken with some ice then strained to make it nice and cool.
This "blushing rose" vermouth cocktail might have unusual ingredients, but the result is a beautifully fragrant, beautifully colored cocktail. It only takes a minute to mix up, then you can savor the deliciousness. And toast the weekend - cheers!
Looking for more fruity cocktails? Try these!
- Raspberry collins cocktail
- Lychee martini
- Basil peach margarita
- Plus get more cocktail recipes in the archives.
"The blushing rose" - a vermouth cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 raspberries approx
- 2 oz hibiscus tea 60ml, cold
- 2 oz vermouth extra dry 60ml
- 1 oz white rum 30ml, or cachaça
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon rosewater or slightly less if you are unsure
Instructions
- Press the raspberries through a small sieve to hold back the seeds but get the pulp.
- Add the hibiscus tea, vermouth, rum/cachaça, sugar and rosewater. Add some ice and shake to cool, then strain into a glass, or else simply stir together if you prefer it less cold.
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. In many locations, you can have wine, spirits and more delivered to your door with Drizly.
Disclosure: I received product from Drizly but was not otherwise compensated. All opinions remain my own.
Remember to pin for later!
Miz Helen
Happy Valentine Day and thanks so much for sharing your awesome talent with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Miz Helen!
Ai @Ai made it for you
What a beautiful color! I love the different flavors in this drink. It must be lovely and fragrant with the hibiscus tea and rose water! This would be perfect for Valentine's Day! Don't forget to add links to this week's Fiesta Friday post, as well as Petra's blog and my blog so you can be considered for features next week!? Thanks for sharing! Happy Fiesta Friday!!?
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Ai, it is indeed lovely and fragrant. And well reminded, links added 🙂 Happy Fiesta Friday!