APLK: Sparkling Rose Cocktail

Limes shouldn’t be used only in the warmer months, in fact, this bright citrus thrives in the winter—which is right now!

The Sparkling Rose cocktail is a play on a French 75— but in this instance, gin and sparkling rosé take center stage. Instead of lemon juice, fresh lime juice is used alongside a secret ingredient: kirsch (cherry brandy!).

Market Street will get you started on this happy, celebratory drink. If you don’t have a favorite sparkling rosé, ask Market Street’s Beer and Wine Steward—they will help you select the perfect bottle for your price point. Besides the bubbles, Market Street can also provide you with the pop of citrus you need for this drink: seasonally ripe limes!

Accessorizing cocktails are part of mixology fun! For this sparkling cocktail, I decided to add an earthy herb to decorate my glass. Fresh rosemary compliments the tartness of the lime, dryness of the sparkling rosé, sweetness of the kirsch and botanicals of the gin.

Cheers to festive and creative drinks! Oh! And if you’re new to the cocktail game, below are a few pointers in making a well-crafted sip.

*COLD is the key. Freeze or refrigerate your serving glass. Use CHILLED sparkling rosé.

*SHAKE the gin, brandy and simple syrup with ice until it’s super cold.

*RATIO is the key to balanced flavor. I use 1 to 1 1/2 ounce gin and equal parts brandy and simple syrup. I liked this drink a tad bit sweet, you may not— adjust accordingly!

*CITRUS will bring out a new layer of flavor with each of these ingredients. Don’t skip the fresh lime juice! This touch is essential but use it to taste.

Author note: RATIO is essential to create balanced flavor in this drink. I used 1 to 1 1/2-ounce gin and equal parts brandy and simple syrup. I like this drink a tad bit sweet, you may not— adjust accordingly. Also, COLD is the key: 1) Freeze or refrigerate your serving glass. 2) Use CHILLED sparkling rosé. 3) SHAKE the gin, brandy and simple syrup with ice until it’s super cold. Lastly, the lime will bring out a new layer of flavor. Don’t skip this touch and use it to taste! To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar. Cook on warm until the sugar has dissolved. Stir and pour into a container. Let cool and store in the fridge.

• ice
• 1 to 1 1/2-ounces gin
• 1/2-ounce kirsch (cherry brandy)
• 1/2-ounce chilled simple syrup
• dry sparkling rosé
• fresh lime juice, to taste
• rosemary sprig, to garnish
• lime wedges, to garnish

In a cocktail shaker, place the ice, gin, kirsch and simple syrup. Shake until cold. 

Strain the drink into a cold glass. Top with sparkling rosé and fresh lime juice. Stir and serve with a rosemary sprig and lime wedge.