The Roosevelt cocktail is a crisp, citrusy drink with a touch of sweetness and a good kick of rum. It’s bright, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make—perfect for warm evenings or when you want something that feels a little fancy without too much fuss. I’ve made this drink countless times, and one thing I’ve learned is that fresh lime juice really makes all the difference.
Roosevelt
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) dry vermouth
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or use honey/agave for a twist)
– Ice (for shaking and serving)
Optional garnish: Lime wheel or mint sprig
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your highball or Collins glass into the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prep the drink. This helps keep everything cool and crisp.
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the white rum, dry vermouth, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it up. Give everything a good shake—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain into your chilled glass. Dump the ice water if you used it, then strain the drink into the glass.
- Top with fresh ice if you like your drink extra cold. Garnish with a lime wheel or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice. Bottled just doesn’t give the same brightness.
– Simple syrup tip: Make your own by mixing 1 part sugar with 1 part hot water. Stir until dissolved and let cool. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Want it less sweet? Cut the syrup to ¼ oz or skip it and use a sweeter rum.
– No shaker? No problem. Stir everything with ice in a mixing glass or jar, then strain into your serving glass.
– Try different rums. A spiced rum adds depth, while a coconut rum gives it a tropical twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix everything except the ice and lime juice a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Add the lime juice and shake with ice just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This drink’s zesty and lightly sweet flavor makes it super versatile. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails, and this is it—it’s light enough to sip with food but flavorful enough to enjoy on its own.
Try it with:
– Grilled chicken or fish—the citrus cuts through the richness nicely
– Spicy appetizers like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings—the sweetness balances the heat
– A fresh seafood salad—the bright lime pairs beautifully with shrimp or crab
Variations
Roosevelt Deluxe
– Add a splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau) and a dash of bitters
– Garnish with an orange twist for a citrus-forward upgrade
Winter Roosevelt
– Swap lime juice for grapefruit juice
– Add a small rosemary sprig for a cozy, herbal note
Non-Alcoholic Roosevelt
– Use non-alcoholic white rum and vermouth alternatives
– Mix as usual, garnish with mint or citrus
Common Questions
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely! Mix up a big batch without ice or lime juice. Keep it chilled, then shake individual servings with lime and ice when ready to serve.
What’s the best rum to use?
A clean, smooth white rum works best, but feel free to explore. Spiced or aged rums can add depth and complexity.
How can I adjust the tartness?
Add more or less lime juice depending on how tangy you like it. Start with ¾ oz if you want it milder.
Do I have to garnish it?
Not at all. Traditionally, it’s served without one, but a lime wheel or mint sprig adds a nice touch, especially for guests.
Is this just a summer drink?
Not at all! It’s refreshing in warm weather but just as nice during colder months when you want something bright and lively.
Why It Works
The Roosevelt cocktail is all about balance. The dry vermouth smooths out the rum’s edge, the lime juice adds zing, and the syrup pulls everything together. Shaking it with ice chills it fast and gives it that lightly frothy top you want in a citrus cocktail.
It’s simple, classic, and endlessly adaptable—a drink that’s just as comfortable at a backyard BBQ as it is at a cozy dinner party.
