Rose Kennedy is one of the most popular mixed drinks in the U.S. It got its name after Rose Kennedy, the mother of John F. Kennedy, but it’s not known why, as there’s no clue whether she ever tried this cocktail.
This cocktail is a fizzy version of the Cape Codder cocktail, which combines vodka and cranberry juice. The Kennedy clan comes from the Cape Cod peninsula, so this might be what connects this family and this refreshing drink.
Because the Rose Kennedy cocktail contains soda water, it’s also known as Vodka Soda Splash. It’s also named Pink Jawn, Fire Engine, and Love Story. We give you a simple Rose Kennedy cocktail recipe to prepare at home.
List of Ingredients for Rose Kennedy Cocktail
This cocktail is easy to make and takes just a few simple ingredients:
- Vodka (2 fl oz/60 ml)
- Soda water (6 fl oz/180 ml)
- Cranberry juice (just a splash)
- Ice
- Lime wedge as garnish (optional)
Mixing Instructions
Make Vodka Soda Splash following these simple steps.
- Fill the rocks glass with ice.
- Pour in vodka and soda.
- Add a splash of cranberry juice.
- Gently stir.
- Serve with a lime or lemon wedge.
Possible Substitutes
Switching plain vodka for flavored ones can add more flavors to the Rose Kennedy cocktail. We recommend grapefruit, cranberry, and even lemon-flavored vodka.
Adding citrusy flavors to Vodka Soda Splash is a great way to balance its delicate sweetness and add a dash of freshness. Instead of lime, you can use a lemon wedge or squeeze some lemon juice in it.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Rose Keneddy cocktail is low in calories and alcohol content, primarily due to the significant amount of soda water in it.
- Calories: 125
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0.1g
Alcohol Content
Rose Kennedy is one of the cocktails you can enjoy all day long since the alcohol content in it is low. Because vodka is the only spirit in it, the ABV of this cocktail is about 13%.
Rose Kennedy Cocktail Variations
When you order Rose Kennedy cocktails in different bars, you can run into different ratios of vodka and soda.
A splash of cranberry juice primarily gives color to this drink, but its flavor doesn’t come to the forefront. If you want your cocktail to be more fruity, double the cranberry juice and cut the soda water.
If you omit soda water and increase the cranberry juice amount, you come back to the roots, Cape Codder. Switch some vodka with peach schnapps to get a Woo Woo cocktail. Add some grapefruit juice, and you get a Sea Breeze cocktail.
Cut on cranberry juice and stir in some pineapple juice, and you have Bay Breeze. Be generous with lime juice and add Triple Sec. Then, add them to an ice-filled shaker to make Cosmopolitan.
Food Pairing Ideas
Rose Kennedy is a light, fizzy cocktail. It pairs great with lean meat, salads, and seafood. In the case of sweets, you can have this cocktail along with creamy and fruity desserts.
Wrapping Up
Named after an outstanding woman, the Rose Kennedy cocktail is definitely something you should try this summer. You can order it in bars, where it’s one of the most popular drinks, especially in Northeastern parts of the U.S. Or you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.
