Love and Hope Rosé Lemonade and Cocktail

As we all know, rosés are very popular in Texas. It is not only Texas though, because rosés are the hit trend around the world. One rosé out of Paso Robles is showing that you can do much more than enjoy a refreshing rosé during the summer. Hope Family Wines presents two cocktails using their Love and Hope Rosé.

I have to admit I have not thought about making a cocktail out of a rosé, but what better way to enjoy a cocktail? Sure, we have mimosas, bellinis, sangrias, and a spritzer here or there, but a rosé cocktail can certainly help those people who love wine, but not necessarily rosés. And I happen to know one of those people too.

The Love and Hope Rosé comes from Austin Hope, winemaker of Austin Hope Collection, and Chef Tim Love. The story goes and is reprinted on the label of the 2016 Love and Hope bottle:

Real dialogue between Austin Hope and Tim Love:

HOPE: “Let’s make a bad ass rosé!”

LOVE: “$*#@ YES, let’s do it!”

The 2016 Love and Hope Rosé is a blend of 47% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 11% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache Blanc, 3% Counoise, and 2% Carignan. The wine by itself is very good, but they also provided two cocktail recipes to use with the rosé.

Love and Hope Lemonade

(courtesy of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro)

4 oz. Love and Hope Rosé`

1 oz. Simple Syrup

1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

Lemon Wheel, for garnish

Raspberries, for muddling and garnish

Mint Sprigs, for muddling and Garnish

In the glass half of a Boston shaker muddle raspberries, mint, simple syrup, and lemon juice. After muddling, combine the Love and Hope, and pour back and forth between the two halves of the shaker to mix. Double strain into a goblet over ice and garnish with the lemon wheel that has a mint sprig sticking out of it and a raspberry in between.

Sun Country Cocktail

(Courtesy of Woodshed Smokehouse)

5 ounces Love and Hope Rosé

1 ounce soda

1 ounce Sprite

Splash orange juice

Splash Pomegranate liqueur

I made both of these cocktails and both were very good, even though I preferred the Love and Hope Lemonade.

So there you have it, other uses for a wonderful rosé. And with these rosé cocktail recipes, imagine what a Texas rosé could do. Start your engines and use the above recipes for your own rosé cocktails, or use your imagination to create your own rosé cocktails for a cool summer. Cheers!