Black Currant Rosemary Cocktail (Print)

Bold bourbon meets tart black currant and aromatic rosemary in this elegant, easy-to-make cocktail perfect for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ Spirits

01 - 2 fl oz barrel-aged bourbon

→ Fruit & Syrups

02 - 1 fl oz black currant liqueur
03 - 0.75 fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 - 0.5 fl oz simple syrup

→ Aromatics & Garnish

05 - 1 small rosemary sprig, plus additional for garnish
06 - Black currants or lemon twist for optional garnish
07 - Ice cubes as needed

# Directions:

01 - Gently clap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release its aromatic oils.
02 - Add the rosemary sprig, bourbon, black currant liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
03 - Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until properly chilled.
04 - Double strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
05 - Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and optionally top with black currants or a lemon twist.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent real time thinking about flavor balance, but honestly comes together in less time than it takes to chill a glass.
  • The black currant and rosemary combination feels elegant enough to impress, yet completely approachable and fun to make at home.
  • It's one of those drinks that feels different depending on your mood—sophisticated at a dinner party or just right on a quiet night by yourself.
02 -
  • Don't skip the double strain step—tiny ice shards and rosemary needles can sneak through and make your drink feel gritty, which completely changes the experience from smooth to annoying.
  • The rosemary oil is everything; if your sprig smells faint or dusty, grab a different one, because a dead rosemary note will make the whole drink taste flat and one-dimensional.
03 -
  • If your lemon juice tastes weak or has been sitting for a while, squeeze fresh from room-temperature lemons just before you start mixing; the difference is honestly shocking.
  • Keep your glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before pouring; a warm glass will start melting your ice immediately and throw off the whole balance you worked so hard to achieve.
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