Rose Geranium Syrup adds a floral and perfumed note to cocktails and mixed drinks. Here’s how to make it and use it to flavour drinks.
Rose Geranium Syrup – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a type of scented geranium with tiny glands that release a rose-like aroma and oil when the leaves are crushed. It’s easy to grow in a cocktail garden and you can read all about growing rose geranium here. We’ve previously used the aromatic leaves to make Rose Geranium and Strawberry Shrub. For this cocktail project, we’re capturing the aroma and flavour in a syrup.
Making the rose geranium syrup is as simple as preparing simple syrup in a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar then infusing the clean leaves before fine straining. In cocktails, it can used in a French 75 with gin, lemon juice topped with soda water or dry sparkling wine. It pairs well with tequila and can be used as a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail with a touch of citrus and topped with soda water.
Rose Geranium Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup rose geranium leaves, washed, chopped
Equipment: small pan, fine strainer or cheese cloth, swing top glass bottle
Method
In a small pan, make the syrup by bringing sugar and water to the boil and simmer for one minute. Remove from the heat and add the chopped geranium leaves. Stir to mix and leave to infuse for a minimum of four hours at room temperature.
Using a fine strainer or a cheese cloth, strain the syrup into a swing top glass bottle and store in the fridge until ready to use. It keeps at best for 2-3 weeks.
