Rock Rose Negroni brings a new aroma to Winter nights
There are few herbs in the garden in the chill of mid-Winter, but one stalwart is that gloriously aromatic botanical, rosemary. Even more fragrant when smoked, combine this aroma with Navy Strength Rock Rose Gin in a classic negroni and you have a cocktail of sheer joy. Of course, smoked foods are traditional in Winter – and many people love smoked meats, game, and salmon at this time of year. Smoked herbs may be less familiar, but once you try, you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Rosemary-Smoked Navy Strength Rock Rose Negroni
You can improvise with the glass cloche – use a jug, bowl or vase if you don’t have one.
Ingredients
25ml Rock Rose Navy Strength Gin
25ml Campari
25ml Sweet vermouth
A sprig of rosemary
A twist of orange zest
Method
Place all the spirits in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir for at least 20 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass with an ice ball or ice cubes. Add a twist of orange zest. Using a blow torch or a lighter, flame the rosemary until it just catches, and then quickly cover with a glass cloche or similar. Leave the negroni under the cloche with the residual smoke briefly. When you’re ready to drink, remove the cover and breathe in the aromas. Heavenly.
Navy Strength Rock Rose has intense, bold flavours with fresh and distinctive berry notes. The stronger version of Rock Rose (this one is 58% ABV) gives a strong warm pine release at the front of the drink with notes of lemon sherbet. The heart of the drink offer very bold berry notes derived from locally foraged blaeberries, rowan and hawthorn. These give way to the deeper earthier notes such as angelica that are hidden in the original Rock Rose.
Price £40 for 70cl. To buy visit: Navy Strength Rock Rose Gin – Dunnet Bay Distillers Also available in a refill pouch at £40 or a 5cl miniature at £6.