Welcome to my Cocktail + Ring blog series. This is a completely self-indulgent series where I pair two of my favorite things, alcohol and jewelry, so I can learn a little more about my favorite subjects. Every month we’ll explore a new drink recipe and talk about the ring I’m wearing while I sip it.
Frosé is having a moment, and I frankly couldn’t be happier. Not to get too hipster, but the rosé slushy has been a staple in my household for years. On a hot summer day, there is nothing more refreshing than this immensely satisfying cocktail. So when I set out to start my blog series on which ring to wear with what cocktail, frosé had to be my starting point.
So what exactly is frosé? In my house, it’s one bottle of chilled rosé wine and some crushed ice blended together. No lie. I’m a pretty simple girl. Give me a glass and some wine, and I’m good to go. Give me blended wine that’s frothy, ice cold, and has just enough sweetness to be a treat? I’m golden. That being said, frosé can be a lot more complex. Some recipes call for fruit juice, additional liquors, and many different types of ice. Which is why finding the exact recipe for my first pairing was a bit tricky, but I think I nailed it. The recipe I’ve chosen, is a Pomegranate Frosé, with hints of grapefruit and lemon. It’s slightly sweet, with a tang, and completely refreshing on a sweltering summer day.
Most people don’t associate garnets with summer. Garnets are typically thought of as a winter stone. In fact, they are January’s birthstone. But, this summer I’ve been wearing one ring constantly. It’s a ring that surprised me more than anyone else, honestly, because it is nothing but garnets. Anyone who’s known me long enough knows that garnets are low on the list of stones I’m drawn to. But this ring, these garnets, have drawn me in.
This 3-stone garnet ring is an antique. Built somewhere around the turn of the 20th century, it showcases three full cut garnets, arranged in a straight line down the finger, prong set in yellow gold. It’s a simple ring, but on the finger, it is lovely. The three 5 mm almandine garnet stones are not completely flat, like a lot of antique garnets are typically cut. But, they are extremely low profile. Because of this non-standard round cut, the wearer can see a deep amazing fire when the light catches them. Since I’ve been wearing it all summer, I’ve noticed that the best results happen on bright sunny days, rather than low candlelight like some other antique cuts. And because of this fire, this ring has stolen my heart and become my go-to ring of the summer.
Why does this pairing work?
It’s a little known fact that the word garnet is actually derived from the Latin word garanatus, meaning “seedlike.” It is so named because thousands of years ago, when garnets were first mined, these little red gems reminded the miners of tiny pomegranate seeds. The deep burgundy color, and the overall look and feel of a polished garnet is very close to the interior of this delicious fruit, and they’ve been associated ever since. So naturally, pomegranate had to be in my drink of choice.
Additionally, this particular garnet ring only shines with fire on a bright, sunny day. Bright skies bring out the best in this ring, creating a mesmerizing shimmer that not many stones have. So summer is the optimum time to wear this ring. This frosé works the same way. Drink it on a cool, fall day? You aren’t getting your money’s worth. But, on a sweltering, 95 degree day with 100% humidity, this drink will light you up and cool you down all in one sip. So this happy hour, I will be sitting on my back patio, cool glass in hand, staring at some pomegranate fire on my finger. Hope you enjoy the recipe as much as I do. Cheers!
Pomegranate Frosé Recipe
6 oz. rosé wine, or to taste
1 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice (100% juice, unsweetened)
2 oz. pomegranate juice, (100% juice, unsweetened)
¼ oz. fresh lemon juice
¼ oz. simple syrup
1 cup ice
I recommend using a bolder rosé, such as one made from pinot noir grapes. The heartier the rosé, the less it will become diluted by the ice. Add ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a wine glass with fresh grapefruit or lemon wedges.
Adapted from Van Gogh Vodka recipe, adjusted by me. Makes 1 serving.