Two very dear friends of mine are getting married today, so I couldn’t help but post a wedding-inspired Friday 5 O’Cocktail in their honor that seemed perfect for the nuptials. Congratulations, Mike and Colleen! The drink also looks like a really refreshing treat just in time for the start of summer that we’re definitely experiencing down here in Florida. Wow, it’s HOT! I found this recipe on saveur.com and it says that the nice part of using the specified gin is the finish it leaves on your tongue of roses, so if you use another kind, just add a few drops of rose water to create the same effect. So, without further “I Do”, here’s the recipe!

image credit: Mackenzie Smith

Raspberry-Rose Collins
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
3 ounces Nolet’s Silver dry gin
1 ounce simple syrup (2 parts water, 1 part sugar, dissolved over heat)
1 ounce lemon juice
6 raspberries, plus more for garnish
Soda water, to top

DIRECTIONS
In a martini shaker, combine gin, ice, simple syrup, raspberries, and lemon juice. Pour over ice into two Collins glasses, add soda water to fill, and garnish with additional raspberries.

Note: For even more herbal zing, steep your simple syrup with a sprig of rosemary and three slices of peeled, fresh ginger. Strain the solids out before mixing the cocktail.