The City Scene
Celebrate February with the enchanting Aphrodite’s Kiss, inspired by the Greek goddess of love and beauty. This elegant drink is a blend of gin, elderflower liqueur, rhubarb rose syrup, lemon juice, rhubarb bitters, and sparkling wine, crowned with delicate fresh flowers. Like Aphrodite herself, this cocktail is alluring and complex, making it the perfect choice for a month dedicated to love and connection. While the rhubarb rose syrup and multi-step preparation require a bit more effort, just like love, it’s worth every moment. Sip this exquisite creation and toast to passion, beauty, and the joys of love.
Ingredients
Rhubarb Rose Simple Syrup:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp rose water
Sparkling Cocktail:
- 1½ oz gin
- ½ oz elderflower liquer
- 1 oz prepared Rhubarb Rose Syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes rhubarb bitters
- 2 oz sparkling wine
- fresh food-safe flowers for garnish, optional
- pink cocktail sugar for rim, optional
Directions
Combine the rhubarb, sugar, and water in a pot and bring to a low boil. Turn down the heat and simmer on low for about 10 minutes, stirring often until sugar dissolves. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and transfer to a clean jar. Add the rosewater.
Optional: fill a shallow dish with pink sugar. Moisten the rim of a glass with a little simple syrup. Dip the rim into the sugar.
In a cocktail shaker add the gin, elderflower liqueur, rhubarb rose simple syrup, lemon juice, and rhubarb bitters. Add ice, then cover and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a glass. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with fresh flowers and enjoy!
