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Shanghai Rose

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Shanghai RoseKimberly Sentner

This aphrodisiac-laden mocktail comes from NYC's Museum of Sex and is a perfect way to set the mood on Valentine's Day. The recipe makes enough rose elixir and rosemary crystals for eight drinks; if you're making only two, refrigerate the remaining elixir and store the crystals in an airtight container at room temperature (both will last up to two weeks). If you're short on time, skip the rosemary crystals and use just the superfine sugar instead.

To make the Shanghai Rose alcoholic, add two ounces of gin or vodka to each drink.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 2 drinks

Ingredients

For the rosemary crystals:

1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/2 cup superfine sugar

For the rose elixir:

8 ounces rose syrup*
8 ounces distilled or tap water

For the Shanghai Rose:

Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup rosemary crystals
2 ounces rose elixir
2 ounces bottled yuzu juice**
2 ounces simple syrup
Ice
18 ounces soda water
2 sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish
*Rose syrup is readily available online or at some specialty food stores.
**Bottled yuzu juice can be found at Asian markets. A one-to-one mixture of lemon and lime juice can be substituted.

Preparation

  1. Make the rosemary crystals:

    Step 1

    In a food processor, process the rosemary and sugar until fully combined, about 1 minute—there will be visible pieces of rosemary. DO AHEAD: Rosemary crystals can be prepared in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 2 weeks.

  2. Make the rose elixir:

    Step 2

    In a small saucepan, bring the rose syrup and distilled or tap water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer, uncovered, until reduced by half, 12 to 15 minutes. DO AHEAD: Rose elixir can be prepared in advance and refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

  3. Make the Shanghai Rose:

    Step 3

    Pour the lime juice onto a small plate and spread the rosemary crystals on a second small plate. Dip the rim of a 12-ounce glass into the lime juice, then dip it into the rosemary crystals to lightly coat. Repeat with a second 12-ounce glass.

    Step 4

    Pour 1 ounce each of rose elixir, yuzu juice, and simple syrup into each prepared glass. Add ice and enough soda water to fill each glass. Garnish drinks with rosemary sprigs.

TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesCold DrinkSpritzGinVodkaRosemaryHerbs & SpicesLimeCitrusFruitNonalcoholicFood ProcessorEpicurious

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