Rosé has become crazy popular and spawned a whole line of accessories including “rosé all day” mugs, shirts, towels, etc. The Brad and Angelina fight over their vineyard is STILL in the news and it chills in people’s fridge. Yes, rosé season is in full swing, and while there’s no absolute need to do anything more than open a cold bottle and pour yourself a glass, why not take your game up a few levels? You need these 4 rosé summer cocktails in your life.
Beginner Level:
Rosé Spritz
Perfect for a long day of drinking, the rosé spritz is little more than four ounces of rosé over ice, topped with soda water. Add an orange twist if you want a little something else.
Rosé Sangria
I’m surprised this version of the summer favorite goes ignored as often as it does, because frankly I think rosé is easily the best sangria. The key is to pick your fruit with some care: I aim more for red berries and stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, while mostly avoiding citrus, as I find that those flavors tend to clash with most of the rosé I like. Watermelon also can make for a nice addition.
RELATED: How Our Love For Rosé Is Probably Ruining It
While many sangria recipes would call for brandy, I actually like to add a bit of white rum when I make rosé sangria, as again I find it pairs better with the flavors already in there.
Advanced Level:
Rosé Margarita
Getting the balance right on this drink is tricky, especially since I generally prefer a slightly more flavorful rosé, perhaps from Spain or Italy. The choice of tequila is crucial as well; I find younger tequilas tend to work better, or even a joven Mezcal can be delicious. I start with three ounces of rosé, and then add an ounce-and-a-half of tequila, a half-ounce of Cointreau, and an ounce of lime juice, then shake the whole thing and serve over ice; salt is optional, but awesome.
Rosé Negroni
One of the great summer cocktails can take on a whole different dimension when you work rosé in there. Instead of an ounce each of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, I use two ounces of rosé, an ounce each of gin and sweet vermouth, and a half-ounce of Campari, then gently stir it and serve it on the rocks. If you use a real dry rosé (like from Provence or somewhere similar), the drink is instantly recognizable as a Negroni, yet somehow different. If you’re feeling especially brave, use a sparkling rosé!
RELATED: 5 Easy Tequila Cocktails You Can Make At Home Year-Round
This is, of course, only the beginning. If you’re creative enough, you can find dozens of ways to use rosé in cocktails — both classic and modern.
