Jill Rose Cocktail: A Bourbon Rose Cocktail Made With Floral Bitters
Feb 01, 2025
The Jill Rose proves that bourbon does not have to be heavy to be interesting. This cocktail is simple to shake, thoughtfully balanced, and full of flavor. Bourbon meets El Guapo™ Rose Cordial and El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters for a floral, citrus-forward drink with depth and backbone.
Rose brings softness, lime adds brightness, and the bitters keep everything grounded. It is a bourbon rose cocktail that feels intentional, modern, and endlessly drinkable.
The Story Behind the Jill Rose Cocktail
The Jill Rose has roots in classic bourbon sours and floral cocktails that date back to the early days of American mixology, when bartenders leaned on citrus, botanicals, and fortified syrups to soften strong spirits and create balance. Rose has long been used in cocktails for its aromatic lift and subtle sweetness, especially in drinks meant to feel bright rather than boozy.
This modern Jill Rose builds on that tradition with a New Orleans sensibility. El Guapo™ Rose Cordial brings real rose flavor without artificial perfume, while El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters add spice and structure that keep the drink grounded. Lime juice sharpens the profile and keeps the cocktail crisp, preventing the floral notes from overwhelming the bourbon.
The result is a bourbon cocktail that feels timeless but current. Floral without being sweet, structured without being heavy. It is the kind of drink that works just as well for Valentine’s Day as it does for spring entertaining or a quiet night at home.
This is a rose cocktail for people who love bourbon and want something different, balanced, and thoughtful in the glass.
Jill Rose Cocktail
🍹 x Christa Cotton
This recipe makes one serving.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¹⁄₂ oz Bourbon
- ³⁄₄ oz El Guapo™ Rose Cordial
-
¹⁄₂ oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 dashes El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add bourbon, Rose Cordial, lime juice and bitters.
- Shake until cold.
- Strain into a coupe.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Tips & Variations
Dial in the floral balance: If you prefer a subtler rose note, start with slightly less El Guapo™ Rose Cordial and let the bitters and citrus lead. For a more expressive floral profile, add a bar spoon more cordial and keep the lime bright.
Choose your bourbon wisely: A softer, wheated bourbon will highlight the rose and citrus, while a higher-rye bourbon adds spice and contrast. Both work beautifully depending on whether you want the drink to lean gentle or more structured.
Make it low proof: Swap the bourbon for a spirit-free whiskey alternative to create a lower-proof version that keeps the structure and aromatics intact without sacrificing flavor.
Keep it alcohol free: For a no-proof option, skip the bourbon entirely and add a splash of chilled club soda or tonic after shaking. The rose, lime, and bitters still deliver a balanced, aromatic drink that feels intentional and grown up.
Garnish with restraint: A simple lime wheel or a light citrus twist is all you need. Skip heavy florals or sugary rims so the rose stays refined rather than decorative.
Scale for hosting: This cocktail batches well for small gatherings. Mix the base ahead of time, chill, and shake individual portions with ice just before serving for the best texture.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters taste like?
They bring floral spice with notes of hibiscus, cardamom and rose. They add depth to a wide range of spirits.
What is a rose cordial?
It is a sweet syrup made from rose petals. Our Rose Cordial is a Good Food Award winner made with natural ingredients for clean floral flavor.
What's the best bourbon for a floral cocktail?
A smooth mid range bourbon keeps the drink balanced. Choose something mellow that lets the rose shine. Skip smoky styles that fight the floral notes.
For more FAQ, visit our main FAQ page!
