Rose Bud

🌹 Rose Bud Cocktail Recipe

The Rose Bud is a light, fragrant, and elegant cocktail that blends the floral sweetness of rose syrup with the tartness of citrus and the subtle kick of gin or vodka. It’s a perfect choice for romantic evenings, summer garden parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for something uniquely refreshing. With its delicate pink hue and fragrant profile, it’s a drink that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to sip.

History / Origin

The Rose Bud cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by classic floral cocktails like the Aviation and the Clover Club. While there’s no single bartender credited with its invention, the drink gained popularity in the late 2010s as part of the craft cocktail movement, particularly among mixologists who enjoy working with floral syrups and herbal notes. The name “Rose Bud” likely pays homage to the iconic final word in the film Citizen Kane, but in this context, it also symbolises freshness, bloom, and elegance in a glass.

Ingredients

To make one serving of the Rose Bud cocktail, you will need:

• 45ml Gin (or Vodka, if preferred)
• 15ml Rose Syrup
• 15ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 15ml Elderflower Liqueur (optional for extra floral depth)
• Ice
• Edible rose petals or a lemon twist (for garnish)

Method

1. Chill Your Glass
   Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Shake It Up
   In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, rose syrup, lemon juice, and elderflower liqueur (if using). Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake Well
   Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain & Serve
   Discard the ice from your glass if pre-chilling. Fine strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
5. Garnish
   Garnish with a few edible rose petals or a delicate lemon twist for a beautiful finish.

Mocktail Option

Looking for a non-alcoholic version? The Rose Bud Mocktail is just as delicious and keeps all the charm of the original.

Ingredients (Mocktail Version):

• 45ml Non-Alcoholic Gin alternative (e.g. Lyre’s Dry London Spirit or Ecology & Co London Dry)
• 15ml Rose Syrup
• 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
• 15ml Elderflower Cordial (instead of liqueur)
• Ice
• Edible rose petals or a lemon twist (for garnish)

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well for 15–20 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish and enjoy.

Let the Rose Bud bring a touch of floral sophistication to your drinks menu — whether you’re serving the classic or the alcohol-free version. Perfect for weddings, brunches, or an elegant night in.