Rosehip Gin Sour
A blush-pink gin sour built on rosehip syrup, fresh lemon, and silky egg white—a tart, floral, picture-perfect cocktail with a sophisticated edge.
A homemade rosehip syrup is the secret to this cocktail. Simmering dried rosehips with sugar and water for fifteen minutes creates a vivid garnet syrup that's tart, slightly floral, and far more interesting than any commercial cordial. One batch will last weeks in the fridge.
Gin's juniper and citrus notes are a natural partner for rosehip—the spirit's botanical backbone gives the cocktail structure while letting the fruit shine. A London Dry style works best; flavored gins compete with the syrup instead of supporting it.
Egg white is what takes this from good to memorable. Dry-shaken first without ice, then wet-shaken with ice, it creates a thick, glossy foam that holds the cocktail's aroma right under your nose as you sip. Vegan? Aquafaba (chickpea brine) works just as well.
For a mocktail version, combine the rosehip syrup with sparkling apple juice, fresh lemon juice, and a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters. Serve over crushed ice with a rose petal garnish—it has the same tart-floral elegance, no alcohol required.
Ingredients
- 60 ml London Dry gin
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 20 ml rosehip syrup (see steps)
- 1 egg white (or 30 ml aquafaba)
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 1 lemon peel twist
- 1 dried rosehip or rose petal for garnish
- For the syrup: 1/4 cup dried rosehips, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water
How to make it
- 1Make the syrup: combine crushed rosehips, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Strain and cool. (Keeps in the fridge 3 weeks.)
- 2Add gin, lemon juice, rosehip syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker. Dry shake without ice for 15 seconds to build foam.
- 3Add ice and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds until well chilled.
- 4Double-strain into a coupe glass to keep the foam smooth.
- 5Add 2 dashes of Peychaud's bitters on top of the foam. Express the lemon twist and garnish with a dried rosehip or rose petal.
Want to learn more about Rosa Mosqueta? Visit its full profile.
Back to Rosa MosquetaYou might also like
Rosehip Hibiscus Vitamin C Boost
Rosehip and hibiscus brewed together with raw honey and lemon—a tart, ruby-red wellness drink delivering a serious vitamin C hit, naturally caffeine-free.
Iced Rosehip Strawberry Lemonade
Cold-brewed rosehip mixed with muddled fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and honey syrup—a vibrant pink summer drink that tastes like a rosy strawberry shortcake in a glass.