This week we tried a series of cocktails based on a "rose" theme.  All four were gin based and though I admit they were fun to make, for the most part gagging was the definite follow up to at least two of them.  I suppose it depends on whether or not you like gin.  We discovered we were not gin lovers in any way, shape or form.  But I'll give you the recipe and the pictures and let you decide for yourself.

alcohol everywhere

All four in a row

Recipes from the Savoy Cocktail Book

1st Cocktail on the left (by far the best!)

Rose Cocktail (English Version)

1 Dash Lemon Juice

4 Dashes Grenadine

1/4 Apricot Brandy

1/4 French Vermouth

1/2 Dry Gin

Shake well and strain into cocktail glass.  Frost edge of cocktail glass with castor sugar. (This is very important to the taste of the cocktail)

2nd Cocktail on the left (more like a straight martini)

Rose Cocktail (French Style No. 1)

1/4 Cherry Brandy

1/4 French Vermouth

1/2 Dry Gin

Stir well and strain into cocktail glass.

3rd Cocktail on the left (AWFUL!!!)

Rose Cocktail (French Style No. 2)

1/4 Cherry Brandy

1/4 Kirsch (let me warn you here, Kirsch is 90 proof.  Makes for one strong drink)

1/2 Dry Gin

Stir well and strain into cocktail glass.

4th Cocktail on the left (Second best, not quite as sweet)

Rose Cocktail (French Style No. 3)

1 Teaspoonful Grenadine

1/2 French Vermouth

1/2 Kirsch

Shake well and strain into cocktail glass.

We would definitely fix the first cocktail - Rose Cocktail (English version) - again.  I would add a dash more lemon juice.  It seemed to cut the strength of the gin.  Try them and tell us what you think.