Designed to be effortlessly approachable yet quietly complex, The Ruby Rouge is an elegant sipper rather than a predictable Valentine’s cliché. It’s a cocktail meant to feel considered but never overworked—polished, modern, and indulgent without excess.
The lush sweetness and distinctive character of strawberries take center stage, delivering a vivid, fruit-forward profile with unmistakable personality. Rather than overpowering the drink, the strawberry syrup provides structure and richness, creating a foundation that feels both familiar and refined. The gentle bitterness of Aperol lingers quietly in the background, adding a refined, almost whispered complexity to the palate and balancing the sweetness with restraint.
A bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice lends a crystalline freshness, an essential element for any cocktail destined for the Florida sun. It sharpens the drink just enough, keeping each sip clean, lifted, and refreshing. For those who appreciate herbal notes, fresh basil can be introduced subtly, offering a green, aromatic accent that enhances the drink’s depth without disrupting its balance.
All of these elements are carried by a generous pour of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old. Vibrant, approachable, and versatile, it is the most expressive offering in the Double Cask range. Its warmth and balance allow the brighter components to shine while grounding the cocktail with quiet luxury and unmistakable structure.
The result is a luxurious, island-ready cocktail that feels entirely at home in Palm Beach—sunlit yet sophisticated, modern yet timeless. The Ruby Rouge is best enjoyed slowly, an invitation to linger, savor, and let romance unfold without pretense.
The Cocktail
Ingredients
1.5 oz The Macallan 12 Double Cask
0.5 oz Aperol
0.75 oz strawberry syrup
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
Optional: fresh basil, for herbal depth
Method
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Double strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a basil leaf or the crown of a strawberry.
Strawberry Syrup
Simmer equal parts cane sugar and water with a generous handful of sliced fresh strawberries. Strain out all solids and cool completely. Refrigerated, the syrup will keep for up to two weeks.