Black Currant Rosemary Cocktail (Print Version)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Gently clap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release its essential oils.
02 - Add the rosemary sprig, bourbon, black currant liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
03 - Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
04 - Double strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
05 - Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and, if desired, black currants or a lemon twist.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes sophisticated enough to impress guests but comes together faster than you'd expect.
  • The rosemary and black currant combination feels unexpected and delightfully aromatic in the best way.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and plays beautifully with both casual evenings and dressed-up occasions.
02 -
  • Don't skip the double strain step; it's the difference between a refined drink and one that feels gritty or cloudy in your mouth.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice isn't optional here—the brightness it brings is what keeps this drink from becoming cloyingly sweet.
03 -
  • Chill your rocks glass in the freezer for at least five minutes before pouring; a warm glass will dilute your carefully constructed drink within seconds.
  • The quality of your bourbon matters more than the price—look for something aged at least four years that you'd be happy to drink on its own.
Go Back