No Way Rose Recipe

Prepare tea

If using loose green tea, tie leaves in a small muslin bag or use an infuser. If using tea bags, keep them intact.

Lightly macerate the sliced strawberries with the back of a spoon or muddler for 30–45 seconds to release juices and aroma.

Place macerated strawberries and the tea bag/infuser into a clean, dry 750 ml (or similar) glass jar. Pour 500 ml vodka over them, ensuring fruit and tea are submerged.

Seal jar and let infuse at room temperature away from direct sunlight for 24 hours for a light infusion (up to 48 hours for stronger flavor). Taste after 24 hours; remove tea earlier if bitterness appears.

Strain vodka through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Press gently on solids to extract liquid but avoid forcing pulp. Discard solids. Chill infused vodka until ready to use.

Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar fully dissolves and mixture gently simmers — do not boil vigorously.

Remove from heat and stir in edible rose petals. Steep 10–15 minutes for floral flavor, or if using rose water, stir in 1 tsp after syrup cools.

Strain syrup through fine mesh and cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use 15 ml per cocktail as directed.

Chill a large coupe or highball glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes (optional).

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add 60 ml strawberry & green tea infused vodka, 45 ml dry rosé, 30 ml fresh grapefruit juice, 15 ml sake, 15 ml rose simple syrup, and 10 ml rhubarb cordial to the shaker.

Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds to integrate flavors if you prefer more aromatic lift, then add ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to chill and slightly dilute.

Strain into the chilled glass over fresh ice if serving in a highball, or double-strain into a coupe without ice for a more elegant presentation.

Top gently with 60 ml club soda to give effervescence and lighten the drink. Stir once very gently to marry.

Garnish with a thin grapefruit wheel or twist and a single edible rose petal (or micro basil) for contrast.

Serve immediately.