This refreshing cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious. A homemade raspberry-vanilla simple syrup adds a gentle fruit-and-spice note that pairs perfectly with Empress 1908 Indigo gin and sparkling rosé prosecco. A splash of lemon juice brings bright acidity, and a spritz of rose water finishes the drink with a delicate perfume. Serve with a thyme sprig for an elegant touch — this Rose Colored Glasses: Raspberry Vanilla Gin Cocktail is sure to impress.
What’s in this cocktail? And common substitutes
Ingredients:
- Empress 1908 Gin
- Aquafaba
- Raspberry vanilla simple syrup (recipe below)
- Lemon juice
- Rosé prosecco or sparkling rosé wine
- Rose water
- Thyme sprig, for garnish
Empress 1908 Gin
Empress 1908 Gin is our preferred gin for this cocktail. Its botanical profile complements the raspberry and vanilla, and the gin’s butterfly pea flower gives the drink a striking pink hue when mixed with acidic ingredients.
Other gin cocktails that showcase Empress 1908 include Spicy Empress Greyhound, Blueberry Pie Gimlet, and Muddled Blackberry and Mint Gin Cocktail.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba is the liquid from cooked chickpeas or from a can of chickpeas. In cocktails it replaces egg white to create a silky foam top and adds a creamy texture without using eggs.
- Substitutes for aquafaba: Use a medium egg white if you prefer. You can also use the liquid from lighter-colored canned beans (white beans, navy beans, etc.) but aquafaba from chickpeas is the most common option.
Raspberry Vanilla Simple Syrup
This cocktail uses a 2:1 simple syrup (two parts sugar to one part water) made with fresh raspberries and vanilla extract. A 2:1 syrup is thicker and keeps longer in the refrigerator — up to six months once cooled — making it handy for frequent cocktail making.
Rosé Prosecco or Sparkling Rosé
We used a rosé prosecco to complement the cocktail’s name and flavor profile. Any sparkling rosé will work well and contribute a bright, effervescent finish.
- Substitute: Any sparkling rosé wine can replace rosé prosecco in this recipe.
Rose Water Spritz
A light spritz of rose water adds an aromatic finishing note that elevates the cocktail. It’s optional but recommended for presentation and scent. If you don’t have rose water, you can omit it, though there’s no perfect substitute for its floral quality.
Enjoy!
We hope you enjoy the Rose Colored Glasses Raspberry Vanilla Gin Cocktail. If you try this recipe, share your experience and photos — a simple rating or comment is always appreciated.
Looking for more cocktails? Try a Frozen Limoncello Gin Spritz, Strawberry Basil Pink Martini, or Tequila Bee Sting Cocktail.
📖 Recipe
Rose Colored Glasses: Raspberry Vanilla Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- ¾ oz aquafaba (or 1 egg white from a medium egg)
- 1 oz raspberry vanilla simple syrup (recipe below)
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- 3 oz rosé prosecco or sparkling rosé wine
- 1 small thyme sprig, for garnish
- 1 spritz of rose water
Instructions
To make the simple syrup
-
Combine 1 pint raspberries, 1 cup water, 2 cups sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and let cool. Store refrigerated for up to six months.
To make the cocktail
-
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, aquafaba, raspberry vanilla simple syrup, and lemon juice. Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 30 seconds to build foam. Add ice and shake again for 30 seconds to chill. Strain into a champagne flute, top with rosé prosecco, and let sit for about a minute so the foam rises. Garnish with a thyme sprig and finish with a light spritz of rose water.
Video
Nutrition
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