Raspberry Rose Floradora

A Valentine’s Day twist on a classic gin cocktail

The Floradora is a classic gin cocktail made with raspberry syrup, lime juice, and ginger ale. It’s fruity, refreshing, and a very pretty pink, too! I’m not sure why the Floradora isn’t a better known gin cocktail because it’s delicious, easy on the eyes, and made with readily available ingredients. Fun fact: the Floradora was invented in the early 1900s and named for a popular Broadway musical.

I added a mist of rosewater to my Raspberry Rose Floradora for a floral variation that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. Gin and floral flavors work wonderfully together, and raspberry + rose is a personal favorite flavor combination of mine. If you like crisp, long gin cocktails, this is one to try.

How to make raspberry syrup

To make an easy and fresh-tasting raspberry syrup, combine 1 part sugar with 1 part hot water and stir until all of the sugar has dissolved. As soon as the mixture becomes clear, but while it’s still hot, add 2 parts raspberries and muddle thoroughly. Allow the mix to cool, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Store your raspberry syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you prefer a more jammy flavor and a deeper color to your raspberry syrup, you can heat the sugar, water, and berries in a saucepan on the stove until the berries begin to break down. Allow to cool, then strain. I love the fresh-muddled method syrup for my Floradora, and I also like how quick and easy it is to make when you’re short on time! (For an even quicker fix, you can use raspberry or black raspberry liqueurs like Chambord.)