Gin is one of those all-seasons drinks. Depending on your additions and garnishes, you can enjoy a refreshing gin pool-side, a pretty floral gin to announce the arrival of spring, or a moody, dark and warming gin in the midst of winter.
But this time of year must surely be my favourite – that little autumnal interlude between summer and winter, when the mornings are crisp and clean, and the sun sets in warm hues of pinks and oranges.
I was recently gifted a bottle of Musgrave Pink, a rose gin made with 12 rare botanicals. You’d assume the delicate blush-flamingo pink gin is meant for warmer days, but in fact, it contains hearty hints of coriander, African ginger and cardamom, along with a distinctive peppery finish. The romantic rose hues arise on the nose, allowing you a whiff of florals before you taste the intricate and complex structure of this gorgeously generous gin.
I created an equally intricate cocktail using the Musgrave Pink, along with another of my favourite South African spirits, the Klawer Cellars African Ruby Rooibos Vermouth. Infused with rooibos and buchu, this vermouth offers the cocktail a rich, smooth base, and that extra punch of autumnal herbaceousness.
See further down for the full recipe and also a reel on how to make this Ruby Rose cocktail!
Ruby Rose cocktail with Musgrave Pink
INGREDIENTS:
2 measures Musgrave Pink gin
1/2 measure rooibos vermouth (it could be substituted with a dry sherry and a few drops of orange / rooibos bitters)
1/2 measure cherry syrup (I used the syrup from a jar of maraschino cherries)
1/2 measure elderflower syrup
Quality, sugar-free tonic water to top
Frozen or fresh cherries and rosemary for garnish
Ice and mixing jug
Your favourite cocktail glasses (I used my Riedel Nick & Nora glasses)
METHOD:
In a mixing jug, add your ice, gin, vermouth, and syrups.
Mix until combined and chilled.
Pour into your cocktail glasses and top with tonic.
Garnish with fresh or frozen cherries, and a sprig of rosemary.
Reminiscent of the blushing skies at night, this Musgrave Pink cocktail is elegant and bold, yet beautifully dainty, full of South African goodness.
Disclaimer: I was given this product(s) as part of a press drop in exchange for my honest and truthful opinion and review thereof. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated / credited, are also my own.
The Little Hedonist endorses responsible drinking.
Don’t drink and drive. Not for persons under 18.
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