Rose Varieties In Mixology: Exploring Flavours And Drink Applications
Roses are incorporated in mixology in a number of ways ranging from rose syrups and rosewater to rose infused spirits and dried rose petal garnishes. The sweet flavours of this floral ingredient combined with its distinct aroma have made the flower a much favoured ingredient among mixologists keen on curating crisp and elegant blends in summer weather.
Different varieties of roses abound across diverse regions and they are incorporated into drinks in multiple ways depending on the flavours and aromas they can bring into blends. Rose variations introduce diverse layers such as earthy, light, smooth and deep into drinks, making them an interesting addition in cocktails and mocktails that contain flavour depth and floral nuance.
Read on below to know more about some of the edible rose varieties used in mixology and how their flavours are incorporated into different cocktail and mocktail blends:
French Rose
One of the more elegant varieties of the rose flower, Fresh roses are found in abundance in northern Indian regions during warm climes and can be used to infuse their deep and herbal profile into drinks. French roses carry a slightly bitter undertone and rich aroma which make liqueurs made out of this variety a suitable addition to drinks such as the rose negroni crafted using 15 ml rose-infused vermouth, 15 ml Italian aperitif and 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice. The herbal and sweet, tart notes of the flower build more aromatic depth into the classic drink.
Damask Rose
Another popular rose variety found across Indian regions, the damask rose has a distinctly sweet aroma and a very rich and luxurious flavour which makes it an excellent floral ingredient for making rose syrups and liqueurs. In fact, rose syrups are generally crafted out of flowers which have such deep flavours and honey-like sweetness so this potent essence can seep well into the syrupy mix. Such a rose-infused sticky syrup is then added to different cocktails like the rose and vodka smash made using 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice.
Wild Himalayan Rose
Complete with earthy and musky notes, this wild rose cultivated in the mountains is a suitable addition to sherbets and other sparkling mocktails crafted using rosewater or rose syrup. The subtle, slightly spicy and aromatic notes of this floral ingredient infuse themselves steadily into blends to release light flavours through cocktail or mocktail concoctions. One such cocktail that can be crafted using wild himalayan rose-infused honey is the rose old fashioned prepared using 30 ml Johnnie Walker Gold Label or any other premium whisky of choice.
Kashmiri Rose
An excellent addition to sparkling drinks which contain champagne or other sparkling wines, the Kashmiri rose has a bright red colour and a delicate floral touch which brings about a flavourful nuance in elegantly crafted mixes. Flavours of the kashmiri rose can also be infused in mocktails and milkshakes or their rose petals can be turned into exquisite rose dust used as a garnish. Prepare a royal rose fizz using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice, 15 ml champagne and a dash of Kashmiri rose water to bring out this floral essence in the cocktail.
Edward Rose
Complete with citrusy tastes and a hint of flowery sweetness, the Edward rose is often used to prepare citrus syrups or rosewater which are in turn added to cocktails like a rose margarita mix or a rose cordial and gin spritz complete with aromatic, floral and citrusy layers. This rose variety also carries a mildly spicy touch which enables it to imbue multiple flavours and aromas into a classic margarita mix made using 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium tequila of choice.
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