I first discovered the Rose Tattoo cocktail thanks to a bartender friend, who handed me a glass at a garden party one warm summer night. I barely got a word out before the drink’s delicate pink shimmer caught my eye – and as soon as I took a sip, the floral notes and zesty citrus were just what I didn’t know I’d been craving.
Ever since, I’ve been hooked. I keep tinkering with the recipe at home – sometimes swapping out the type of gin, sometimes dialing up the lemon when I want something tarter. There’s a bit of alchemy in how the gin’s botanicals play off the rose syrup and lemon juice, and that little bit of grenadine at the end makes it glow like a sunset in a glass.
Strength & Profile
Note: You can tap on flavors, occasions, and feels to view more similar cocktail recipes.
This isn’t one of those cocktails with a glamorous backstory or disputed 1920s origins. The Rose Tattoo is more of a modern classic, popping up on craft cocktail menus in the early 2000s when bartenders began to embrace floral flavors. Nobody seems to “own” it, but the combination of gin and rose just works – especially when the days grow long and gardens start bursting into bloom.
To me, this drink screams spring and summer. Last May, I made a whole pitcher for my sister’s birthday brunch, and even her wine-only friends gave in to the temptation of that rosy hue and fresh flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially when people are in the mood for something a little different (and Instagram-ready).
What You’ll Need:
- 2 oz gin (I like to use something floral but not over-the-top with the juniper)
- 1 oz rose syrup (the good kind – see note below)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (trust me, squeeze it yourself)
- 2 oz club soda
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Rose petal, for garnish (make sure it’s clean and pesticide-free!)
A highball or Collins glass works beautifully, since the layers put on a bit of a show.
How To Make It:
- Fill a shaker with ice, and add the gin, rose syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake until your fingers start to go numb from the cold – about 15 seconds.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture in.
- Add club soda, leaving a little room.
- Now for the fun part: pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass so it sinks, creating that cool gradient effect.
- Float a rose petal on top for an extra flourish.
Truth be told, I mess up the layering half the time and the drink still looks gorgeous. If the colors blend together, nobody complains, including me. The real magic is in the balance between the softness of the rose and the tartness of the lemon – it’s not as easy as it sounds, but when you hit it, the drink just sings.
For non-drinkers (or anyone looking for a lighter option), I swap out the gin with chilled earl grey tea. The bergamot in the tea plays so nicely with the rose syrup that you might not even miss the gin.
Pair the Rose Tattoo with something light to nibble on: goat cheese with berries, lemon shortbread cookies, even a plate of fresh strawberries. This drink loves the company of bright, summery flavors.
A few playful tweaks I’ve tried (when I’m feeling experimental):
- Vodka instead of gin, for an even cleaner, more floral flavor
- Raspberry syrup in place of the rose, for a fruitier twist
- A dash of elderflower liqueur for something a bit more complex
But honestly, the gin and rose version is still my number one.
A little PSA: good rose syrup is worth seeking out. The artificial stuff tastes like bath soap. If you can’t find a natural one, making your own is pretty simple – just simmer sugar and water, toss in organic rose petals (or stir in a splash of rose water), and let it cool.
So whether you’re unwinding solo or sharing a round with friends, the Rose Tattoo is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. It’s equal parts beauty and refreshment – a cocktail that feels as good as it looks.
