Black Currant Rosemary Cocktail (Print)

Tart black currant meets warm bourbon with aromatic rosemary in this sophisticated 5-minute cocktail.

# Components:

→ 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 garnish, optional
07 - Ice cubes as needed

# Directions:

01 - Gently clap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release its essential oils and fragrance.
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 well-chilled.
04 - Double strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
05 - Top with a fresh rosemary sprig and optional black currants or lemon twist before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like something you'd order at a sophisticated bar, but takes five minutes and only requires ingredients you might already have on hand.
  • The black currant brings unexpected depth and tartness that keeps you coming back for another sip instead of something predictable and sweet.
02 -
  • Don't skip the double-strain step or you'll end up with tiny rosemary fragments floating in your glass that look rustic but taste bitter and get stuck between your teeth, which I learned the hard way.
  • The black currant liqueur can vary wildly in sweetness between brands, so taste your drink before serving and adjust the simple syrup down if it feels cloying.
03 -
  • Chill your rocks glass beforehand by filling it with ice while you're making the drink, and your cocktail will stay cold longer without diluting as quickly.
  • The rosemary oil matters more than people realize—that gentle clap between your hands is the difference between a garnish and an actual flavor component that infuses the whole drink.
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