Experience the Cardinal Rose, a sophisticated, floral twist on a classic sour. This striking cocktail balances the bold botanical character of Prohibition Style Gin with the bright bitterness of Italian aperitivo, softened by a custom strawberry and rose syrup. A dash of lemon juice and saline elevates the complex flavor profile, creating a perfectly balanced, refreshing experience. Served in a delicate coupe glass and crowned with aromatic foam, it’s a sublime choice for a refined palate.
Prep: Chill a coupe glass and gather all measured spirits, syrup, and fresh citrus; have the strawberry rose foam ingredients ready for the iSi canister charge and prepare the rosebud garnish.
Mix: Combine the Gin, bitter Italian aperitivo, strawberry rose syrup, fresh lemon juice, and saline solution directly into a cocktail shaker.
Shake: Fill the shaker with quality ice and shake the mixture vigorously until the shaker tin becomes thoroughly chilled, indicating optimal dilution and temperature.
Serve: Double strain the chilled mixture into the prepared, cold coupe glass and carefully top the drink with a generous layer of the strawberry rose foam**.
Garnish: Garnish the surface of the foam with a gold-dusted rosebud for an elegant and aromatic final touch.
*Strawberry Rose Syrup
Instructions: Combine and Heat: In a saucepan, bring the 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup honey to a simmer. Whisk in the 1/4 teaspoon beetroot powder until dissolved. Add the 1 cup sliced strawberries and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
Steep and Strain: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the 4 tablespoons dried rose petals. Let the mixture steep for 20 minutes. Fine mesh strain the syrup into a clean container and refrigerate.
**Strawberry Rose Foam
Combine and Charge: Add the 2.5 ounces strawberry rose syrup, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1/2 ounce aquafaba, 1 ounce water, and 5 drops saline solution into an iSi canister. Secure the top and shake vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed. Charge the canister twice with nitrous (N2O).
