A great meal needs a great cocktail to get your guests in a festive mood and this Ginger Rogers Cocktail certainly does the trick for my Middle Eastern Feast. The bourbon makes the Ginger Rogers perfect for winter and the spicy ginger let’s your taste buds know that something fun is on the way. Finally, the mixer is sparkling rosé, so in my book, it doesn’t really get any better. The lovely pink color makes this a fun cocktail for a ladies night, but with the bourbon and spice, no one would dare say it’s a wimpy drink. Serve it in flutes to take advantage of the bubbles, but coupes, wine glasses and even high balls work just fine. The Ginger Rogers was inspired by a trip to the Village Whiskey in Philly. They used to serve a cocktail by the same name, but when it mysteriously disappeared from the cocktail list I had to take matters into my own kitchen and work on a substitute. I must say, this version of the Ginger Rogers Cocktail slakes my thirst for the original.
- 1 ounce bourbon (depending on how boozy you want to be)
- ½ ounce Jin Ja
- 3 ounces sparkling rosé
- dash bitters (heavy handed if using Fees- the rhubarb I used is not that bitter)
- small piece candied ginger for garnish
- If you're only making one, then there isn't much you need by way of instructions, but if you're making them for a group, I'm a big fan of keeping the champagne on the side until you're actually serving them for maximum fizziness. Mix the bourbon and Jin Ja in a pitcher in a 2:1 ratio. When you're ready to serve, fill champagne flutes about one third full with the bourbon mixture then top with a reasonably priced sparkling rosé. If you want a stronger drink, use more of the bourbon mixture. If you want it weaker, use less, or top with club soda instead of sparkling wine to really keep this light weight.
This gorgeous pink cocktail is just a little spicy.
- Thrifty Alteration
- Finally, I have also made this with the ginger liquor, and I have to say, for the price I'm not impressed. It doesn't have much ginger to it.
- Use ginger ale in place of the Jin Ja and sparkling wine.
