LeNell It All - Rosé The Riveter

by LeNell Smothers, Posted Sep 23rd 2009 @ 5:00PM

The Riveter. Photo: LeNell Smothers.

Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things -- most recently, the proprietress of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and has been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

I drink rosé year round. Get over the idea that it's a flimsy soda-pop wine meant for picnics. When in doubt for food pairing, I often go with the pink. Rosé can be so versatile, even as an ingredient in a cocktail.

You can still find Bordeaux bottles every now and then, labeled claret, that are dark, dry, "serious" rosés. For my cocktail feature this week, I strongly suggest picking up a bottle. If not Bordeaux, look for a rosé made with Bordeaux grapes like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc or a malbec that's so dark, it's almost a light red.

Rosé ain't for wimps. Neither is this cocktail named after Rosie, the American icon who represented the many women who went to work in factories to help us make it through World War II. Toast all the beautiful and strong women in your life who make this world a better place!

Get the recipe for Rosé the Riveter after the jump. ...

Rosé The Riveter
1 1/2 ounces Hendrick's Gin
1/2 ounce Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
1/4 ounce honey syrup*
3 ounces dry rosé
Lime wheel garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass filled with cracked ice. Garnish with lime wheel and straw.

*Mix equal parts honey and water for a simple syrup. Do not heat. Let dissolve naturally.

Do you ever mix up rosé cocktails? Tell us in the comments.

Filed Under: Cocktail Hour, Drink Recipes
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