Saffron Sunset on the Fraser
flavorcamp
January 15, 2025
Inspired by golden-hour skies over the Fraser River, this cocktail captures the warmth of saffron, the brightness of grapefruit, and the floral sweetness of rose syrup. Reifel Rye provides a structured backbone, while saffron-infused honey adds depth and complexity. A drink as vibrant as its namesake, it’s a sunset in a glass.
Recipe:Adam Rucker (Vancouver, BC)
Photo: Reece Sims
Cocktail Flavor Camps
The inspiration behind this cocktail, as explained by bartender Adam Rucker, “I was inspired to create the ‘Saffron Sunset on the Fraser’ after a warm summer evening spent watching the sunset over the Fraser River. The sky was ablaze with hues of orange, pink and purple, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy smell of the riverbank. As I sat there, sipping on a glass of rye whisky, I noticed the way the fading light danced through the threads of saffron in a nearby vendor’s spice stall. The vibrant yellow-orange colour of the saffron seemed to echo the warm tones of the sunset, and I knew right then that I wanted to capture that essence in a cocktail.“
Saffron Sunset on the Fraser
Difficulty: ModerateFlavor Camps: Fruity, Sweet, Floral
Ingredients
2.0 oz Reifel Rye
0.5 oz Saffron-infused Honey Syrup*
0.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
0.25 oz Rose Syrup ✢
1 dash Orange Bitters
Garnish: Grapefruit Twist
Directions
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Notes
- Saffron-infused honey syrup:
Combine 1 cup honey with 1 cup water in a saucepan. Add a few threads of saffron and heat, stirring until dissolved. Let cool, then strain and store in the refrigerator. - ✢ Rose Syrup: 200 grams hot water, 200 grams sugar, 5 ml rose water
