When the pan at home hisses and the city wind slides through the window, I reach for simple comforts. Tonight it is not a stew or a roast. It is Antique Rose | Un cocktail de gin Empress pour la Saint-Valentin, a pale pink drink that feels like a small celebration at the kitchen table.
My youngest hums while she sets napkins. I make room on the counter for two coupe glasses and a little bowl of dried rose buds. Meanwhile I think of other moments when a little drink made dinner feel special, like when I paired warm bread with a bright, fizzy cocktail after a long day. If you enjoy small festive sips, you might like my take on a holiday tipple too Dirty Santa cocktail.
Why Make This Antique Rose
This cocktail is easy and pretty. It is a drink that tastes grown up and gentle at the same time. The color shines soft and rosy, and the bubbles lift the mood the way a quick walk lifts the city air.
It fits into busy family life. Make one glass in five minutes while someone sets plates. That five minutes buys you a calm seat at the table and a few extra smiles. For us, it means we can toast small wins, a new school project, or a warm evening where no one rushes.
The gin here is Empress 1908. It brings a violet hue when mixed with citrus and sparkles. The bright lime cuts the sweet notes. The sparkling Moscato rosé or Prosecco finishes things with light foam and a soft pink blush. Dried rose buds on top make it feel like a little gift.
This drink is perfect for Valentine’s Day, but also for Friday night, a quiet start to a weekend, or a special treat after piano lessons. It does not need a lot of fuss. That makes it a go-to when time is short but you still want something pretty and thoughtful.
How to Make Antique Rose
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
Before you measure, take a moment to enjoy the small things. The bottle on the counter. The clink of ice. The bright, green give of a lime when you squeeze it. The kitchen will fill with a soft, floral scent from the gin and a citrusy lift from the lime.
I like to prepare everything in a simple order. First, chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. From there, lay your garnishes on a small plate. Once it’s ready, build the cocktail slowly so the colors stay pretty and the bubbles do not fall flat.
This recipe is forgiving. You can lean sweeter or drier by changing the Moscato rosé or Prosecco. You can make it stronger or softer by adding a touch more soda or juice. For a big batch, multiply the gin and sparkling parts and keep the lime wedges on the side so each person can squeeze to taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 1/2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
1 wedge Fresh Lime For Squeezing In
1 to 2 oz Splash Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit
Moscato Rosé or Rosé Prosecco (to top off)
Dried Rose Buds (for garnish)
Use fresh lime if you can. It makes a big difference in brightening the flavors. If Fever Tree is not nearby, another high quality grapefruit soda will do. For a lighter finish, pick a dry Prosecco. For more sweetness and fragrance, choose a Moscato rosé.
I always keep a small jar of dried rose buds in the pantry around Valentine’s Day. They look lovely and they do not wilt. If you do not have dried roses, a thin lime wheel works well as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Build the cocktail in your glass by adding in ice cubes and splashing in the gin plus a squeeze of fresh lime juice from a lime wedge.
- Top this off about halfway more with a little Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit juice.
- Top the rest of the way with sparkling pink Moscato rosé or blushing pink Prosecco wine.
- Finish by garnishing with dried roses.
Tip: Stir gently to keep the bubbles. Use a long spoon and lift the mix twice. Don’t stir hard, or the bubbles vanish too fast.
Small timing note: chill the gin a little in the freezer if you like a colder sip. But do not freeze the gin solid. A brisk chill makes the drink feel crisp and silky.
Serving Antique Rose
We set small plates, light a few candles, and put a cloth napkin at each place. The glasses catch the warm kitchen light and look like little treasures. My kids like the tiny rose buds. They ask if they are sweets, and I tell them they are for grownups. We all laugh.
When guests arrive, I place one glass on a tray. The first clink makes a small sound, like a bell. People relax. You will hear soft exclamations about the color and the smell. It brings a gentle pause before dinner.
Pair this cocktail with light bites. Think simple cheese, roasted nuts, or a platter of fresh fruit. It goes well with citrusy salads and grilled fish. For a family dinner, it makes even simple pasta feel special.
If you are serving a few people, prepare a pitcher with gin and sparkling grapefruit, then add bubbly just before pouring. Let everyone squeeze in their lime for a personal touch. Meanwhile, leave the rose buds in a small bowl so guests can decorate their glass.
Making Antique Rose
A cocktail should be savored. If you make one and cannot drink it right away, keep it in the fridge for up to an hour. The fizz will soften, but the flavor stays good.
You can prepare a simple mix ahead. Combine the Empress gin and Fever Tree sparkling grapefruit in a sealed bottle and chill. When guests arrive, pour into glasses and top with sparkling rosé. Add lime and roses at the last moment. This saves time and keeps the bubbles lively.
Leftover sparkling wine will keep in the fridge for a day if sealed. Use it for a morning spritz with orange juice or to refresh a pan sauce. The gin stays stable forever, so do not worry about that.
Quick Tips from My Kitchen
- Use very fresh lime. The small squeeze brightens the whole glass.
- Chill the glasses before serving. A cold glass keeps bubbles longer.
- Keep a small spoon on hand to stir gently. Stirring slowly preserves foam.
- Measure once and pour with confidence. A steady hand means a better-looking drink.
- If you skip the roses, add a thin lime twist to the rim.
What I’ve Learned Cooking Antique Rose
I learned to trust simple flavors. Once I stopped overcomplicating the garnish or the citrus, the drink found its voice. The Empress gin is floral and light. The fizzy grapefruit gives a small tartness. The sparkling rosé offers a soft finish.
This recipe taught me that small rituals matter. A little garnish and an extra moment to chill glasses turns a regular dinner into something to remember. My family notices the care. They ask what makes the drink taste different. I tell them it is patience and a decent bottle.
Variations on Antique Rose
If you want more citrus, add a thin slice of grapefruit or another squeeze of lime. You can make a lower alcohol version by reducing the gin to one ounce and increasing the sparkling grapefruit.
For a sweeter, more fragrant drink, use a Moscato rosé. It will bring honeyed notes and floral perfume. For a drier, crisper finish, choose a Prosecco. Both work well. For a mocktail version, skip the gin and use a nonalcoholic gin alternative with the sparkling grapefruit and sparkling rosé substitute.
Our neighbors tried adding a tiny splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral boost. It made the drink very fragrant and a little sweeter. I also like a lavender syrup in small amounts when I want something more dessert-like.
Family Twists and Adaptations
Make a pitcher for a brunch. Mix gin and sparkling grapefruit with a few slices of fresh strawberries. Top with Prosecco and garnish with basil or mint for a summer twist.
Turn it into a warm-weather spritz by muddling a few raspberries in the glass before adding gin. The color deepens and the drink becomes fruity.
For a low-sugar option, pick a sugar-free grapefruit soda and a dry Prosecco. The lime will still give enough brightness to keep the cocktail lively.
Tools and Timing
You do not need fancy tools. Use a long spoon for gentle stirring, a sharp knife for lime wedges, and a measuring jigger if you like precise pours. A chilled coupe or flute makes the drink feel special, but any glass works.
Plan on about five minutes per drink. If you prepare a small batch for friends, give yourself ten minutes to chill and pour. For a full party, pre-mix the gin and sparkling grapefruit and chill in a large bottle. Finish with sparkling rosé right before serving.
A bit of kitchen wisdom: always taste before you garnish. If your grapefruit soda is very tart, add a touch more Moscato rosé. If it is too sweet, add extra lime.
Nutritional Notes and Moderation
A single serving contains a modest amount of alcohol and bubbles. Gin adds botanical flavors without extra sugar. Moscato rosé can be sweet, so choose a drier sparkling wine if you want fewer carbs.
If you enjoy cocktails but also watch intake, try making half-strength drinks. Use one ounce of gin and top with extra sparkling grapefruit and rosé. Sip slowly, and pair the drink with protein-rich snacks like cheese or nuts to steady the appetite.
What I pack for a drink like this: a small plate of olives and almonds, a few slices of hard cheese, and a thin slice of prosciutto. These pairings keep the kids fed and the mood grown up.
Print
Antique Rose | Un cocktail de gin Empress pour la Saint-Valentin
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A pale pink gin cocktail perfect for celebrating special moments, featuring Empress gin and sparkling rosé.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 wedge Fresh Lime For Squeezing In
- 1 to 2 oz Splash Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit
- Moscato Rosé or Rosé Prosecco (to top off)
- Dried Rose Buds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Add ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour in the gin and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Add a splash of Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit juice.
- Top off with sparkling pink Moscato rosé or Prosecco.
- Garnish with dried rose buds.
Notes
Use fresh lime for brighter flavors and ensure the glass is cold to preserve bubbles. Easy to scale for larger batches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: N/A
FAQs About Antique Rose | Un cocktail de gin Empress pour la Saint-Valentin
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. I often prep it in the morning before the girls wake up, then finish it right before dinner. Mix the gin and sparkling grapefruit and chill. Add the sparkling rosé at the last moment so the fizz is fresh.
Can I use a different gin than Empress 1908?
You can. Empress 1908 gives a floral, violet hue. A regular London dry gin will change the color and bring a sharper juniper note. The cocktail will still be lovely.
What if I do not have dried rose buds?
A lime twist or a thin slice of grapefruit looks nice and adds aroma. Fresh edible flowers also work if you have them.
How do I make a mocktail version?
Skip the gin and use a nonalcoholic gin alternative or a mix of tonic and a splash of rose water. Top with grapefruit soda and sparkling water. Garnish with dried or fresh rose buds.
Can I scale this for a party?
Yes. Multiply the gin and sparkling grapefruit and keep chilled in a sealed bottle. Pour into glasses and top with sparkling rosé. Let guests add lime and roses.
My New York Spin on Antique Rose | Un cocktail de gin Empress pour la Saint-Valentin
I learned this trick from a friend in Brooklyn. She keeps a small spray bottle of citrus water for glasses. A tiny mist before pouring adds extra brightness. I also like to play vinyl records while assembling the drinks. The slow songs match the bubbles.
Here in the city, there are small pleasures in careful moves. Picking a quick bouquet from the stoop garden or using a neighbor’s lemon from their window box makes the drink feel communal. Pair it with a little cheese from the local shop and a loaf from a favorite bakery. That is our New York touch.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftover sparkling wine, keep it sealed in the fridge with a cava stopper. It will stay fizzy for a day or two. Leftover gin can be returned to the bottle; it keeps forever.
If you pre-mix the gin and grapefruit soda, store it in a clean bottle and chill. Use within a day. The flavor may deepen overnight, and that can be nice. If you prefer more sparkle, add the rosé right before serving.
What I do with the last glass of sparkling rosé: mix it with a tiny splash of orange juice for a bright morning drink. Or use it to deglaze a pan for a quick pan sauce over fish. Leftovers often find new, useful lives in my kitchen.
What I Keep in My Bar Cart
- A small bottle of Empress 1908 for special drinks.
- Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit or another high quality soda.
- A chilled bottle of Moscato rosé or Prosecco for topping.
- Fresh limes and a jar of dried rose buds.
- A few extra coupe glasses for guests.
These items live in a small shelf near the coffee maker. That keeps everything handy for a quick celebration.
Sarah’s Little Secrets
- Rinse the coupe with cold water before pouring. A cold glass keeps bubbles longer.
- Use a fine strainer for any muddled fruit to keep the drink clear.
- If you like, float a single edible rose petal on top as a gentle flourish.
Until the Next Recipe
When I slide the last plate into the sink and the kids climb into bed, I think about the small rituals that made the evening warm. A bright cocktail, a shared plate, a few candles. Ancient things and new things meet in those moments.
I hope this guide helps you make Antique Rose | Un cocktail de gin Empress pour la Saint-Valentin feel easy and true. It is a drink that gives you a pause. It is a drink that asks only a few minutes and gives back a small memory.
Conclusion
If you want a full, visual guide and the original inspiration for this drink, see the detailed recipe at Antique Rose | A Valentine’s Day Empress Gin Cocktail which inspired many of my notes here.
For a small, charming sign or gift to pair with your cocktail night, take a look at this curated option on Etsy at Empress Gin Cocktail Sign – Etsy.
Thank you for sharing a moment in the kitchen with me. If you try this at home, tell me what small twist you loved. Meanwhile, may your evenings be filled with good drinks and soft light.
