Rose Tattoo Cocktail Recipe

Rose Tattoo Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Rose Tattoo cocktail is a delightful and romantic concoction that was inspired by the 1955 film of the same name, starring Burt Lancaster and Anna Magnani. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of elegance and sophistication in their drinks. It has become a popular choice for romantic occasions, such as Valentine's Day or anniversaries.

  • The name 'Rose Tattoo' comes from the movie, which was based on a Tennessee Williams play
  • The cocktail gained popularity in high-end bars and lounges, where patrons enjoyed its delicate and refined taste
  • It is often associated with romance and elegance, making it a popular choice for special occasions

How Rose Tattoo Tastes?

The Rose Tattoo cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, floral, and slightly tart flavors. The combination of gin, rose syrup, lemon juice, and champagne creates a delicate and sophisticated taste, with a hint of effervescence from the champagne.

Interesting facts about Rose Tattoo

  • The Rose Tattoo cocktail is often garnished with a rose petal or a small edible flower, adding to its romantic and elegant presentation
  • The champagne used in this cocktail can be substituted with sparkling wine for a more budget-friendly option
  • The rose syrup used in this cocktail can be homemade or purchased from specialty stores

Ingredients

A few good options for Rose Tattoo are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

The 1.5oz of gin provides the strong backbone of botanicals, giving our 'Rose Tattoo' its complex character. With too little gin, you'll miss out on the depth, while too much can overpower the delicate rose essence. If gin is not to your taste or you're looking for a lower alcohol option, try using a good-quality tonic water for a softer approach, just know you'll lose the 'kick'.

Mary Mitkina

Rose Syrup

0.5oz rose syrup adds a floral sweetness, seducing the senses and giving the cocktail its signature whimsical vibe. If you were to exclude the syrup, you'd lose the rose in the 'Rose Tattoo,' which would be a sad day indeed. For a twist, you could try elderflower syrup to provide a more summery, fruity profile.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

Adding 0.5oz lemon juice balances the sweetness with tartness, ensuring the drink isn't cloying. Without it, you might find the cocktail to be one-dimensional. If lemon isn't available, a lime could pinch-hit, adding a slightly zingier twist.

Emma Rose

Champagne

Pour in 2oz of champagne and watch your cocktail sparkle with effervescence, enhancing the sensory experience with its bubbles. Choosing to go without champagne would be like attending a party without music - not nearly as fun. A good prosecco can be a substitute if needed, still bringing some bubbly to the party.

Mary Mitkina

Rose Petal

Lastly, the rose petal garnish is the je ne sais quoi, the final touch of elegance. While not essential to the taste, it's the finishing aesthetic that completes the drink. Omit this, and the magic is somewhat diminished.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Rose Tattoo Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add gin, rose syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute
  5. Top with champagne
  6. Gently place a rose petal or small edible flower on the surface of the cocktail for garnish

Pro Tips

  • Chill your champagne flute before serving for an extra refreshing cocktail
  • Use homemade rose syrup for a more authentic and fresh flavor
  • Be sure to shake well to fully incorporate all the flavors

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platters - A soft, creamy brie or fresh goat cheese balances the floral notes of the cocktail.
  • Canapes - Light and airy canapes topped with smoked salmon or caviar complement the effervescence of the champagne.
  • Fruit Skewers - Refreshing fruit like melon and berries accentuate the sweet rose and tart lemon flavors.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Seafood - The char from grilled shrimp or scallops pairs nicely with the botanicals of the gin.
  • Chicken Piccata - The lemony, caper-filled sauce mirrors the citrus aspects of the cocktail.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet - Echoes the lemon note of the drink and cleanses the palate.
  • Fruit Tarts - The sweetness of the tart can soften the tang from the cocktail's lemon.

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What you could change in Rose Tattoo

  • Champagne can be replaced with any sparkling wine
  • Rose syrup can be substituted with a simple syrup infused with rose water
  • Gin can be replaced with vodka for a milder flavor

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Berry Rose Tattoo

  • Substitute gin with raspberry vodka (1.5oz)
  • Use a berry syrup instead of rose syrup (0.5oz)
  • The same amount of lemon juice and champagne
  • Add a few muddled raspberries before shaking This twist turns 'Rose Tattoo' into a berry delight. The raspberry vodka provides a fruitier base, while the berry syrup keeps it sweet and vibrant. Adding the muddled raspberries intensifies the flavor and color, making it a real showstopper.

Sparkling Rosemary Tattoo

  • Use rosemary-infused gin (1.5oz)
  • Same rose syrup and lemon juice
  • Top with rosemary sprig-infused sparkling water instead of champagne (2oz) With a sprig of rosemary in the shaker, you invite the Mediterranean into your glass. The herby gin and rosemary sparkler enhance the botanicals, creating a more herbal and earthy experience.

Sunset Rose Tattoo

  • Add a splash of Aperol (0.25oz) to the gin, rose syrup, and lemon juice mix
  • Use blood orange juice instead of lemon juice (0.5oz)
  • Swap champagne for sparkling rosé (2oz) A splash of Aperol adds a hint of bitter sophistication, while the blood orange juice introduces a richer citrus note. Sparkling rosé instead of champagne gives a heartier effervescent sensation, resulting in a cocktail with a dramatic color and depth.

In case you forgot basics how to make Rose Tattoo

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Rose Tattoo

What type of gin works best in the Rose Tattoo cocktail?

While you can experiment with any type of gin in this cocktail, a London Dry gin is commonly used due to its balanced and subtle flavor profile that does not overpower the rose syrup and lemon juice.

Is there a particular brand of champagne that is recommended for this cocktail?

There isn't a specific brand of champagne that needs to be used in the Rose Tattoo cocktail. You could use any type of champagne or even a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava, but try to choose a brand you enjoy drinking on its own.

Can the Rose Tattoo cocktail be served in any other type of glass?

The classic serving style of this cocktail is in a champagne flute because it helps to highlight the champagne's effervescence and also gives a sleek, elegant presentation. However, you could also use a cocktail or coupe glass if preferred.

Can I make this cocktail in batches for a party?

Yes, the Rose Tattoo cocktail can be made in batches with gin, rose syrup, and lemon juice mixed in advance. Just be sure to add the champagne right before serving to maintain its fizz.

What kind of roses should be used for making the rose syrup or for garnishing?

When making rose syrup or using rose petals for garnishing, it's best to use organic, pesticide-free roses to ensure they are safe for consumption.

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