Rosae, rosarum, rosis, rosas, rosae, rosis. The new, hyper-green drink list at the American Bar of one of Scotland’s most award-winning hotels, Gleneagles, pays tribute to the plurality, versatility, and multifaceted nature of roses. Nestled in Auchterarder, in the heart of Perthshire, at the foot of the Ochil Hills, this luxurious, century-old country estate — dating back to 1924 — exudes well-being, beauty, balance, and harmony.
American Bar in Gleaneagles, a Bucolic Oasis Where Everything Is Possible
Set amid 850 acres of lush greenery, Gleneagles is a bucolic oasis where anything is possible: from a round of golf to indulgent relaxation at the spa, from strolling through the gardens to savouring Michelin-two-starred delicacies at Andrew Fairlie. And, of course, sipping fragrant, masterfully crafted cocktails. A sanctuary in nature, devoted to nature, and the drinks are no exception.
The Rose Compendium
Following the immersive Book of Berries — a celebration of berries in all their nuances, inspired by the pocket encyclopedias of the 1920s — it is now time for The Rose Compendium to bloom. Deliberately modelled after the historic Rose Annuals — published by the Royal National Rose Society from 1876 to 2017 — this latest creation offers a deep dive into the history, cultivation, hybridisation, and evolution of the Rosaceae family, which encompasses over three thousand varieties. Because roses are not merely delicate petals and sharp thorns, they are also succulent fruits. Apples and pears, peaches and plums, cherries and quinces, strawberries and blackberries — even almonds — are all members of this expansive botanical lineage.
These connections come to life in an intellectual yet captivating drink list, shaped by expertise, sustainability, and a meticulous taxonomic approach. At the helm is Michele Mariotti, Gleneagles’ head of bars, whose Italian heritage infuses his craft with passion and precision. “The Rose Compendium is a true labour of love that merges creativity, sustainability, and a deep reverence for nature,” Mariotti explains. “Collaborating with local producers has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing us to support the remarkable craftsmanship within our community while creating something truly special for our guests. I’m proud that this menu not only reflects Gleneagles’ commitment to conscious practices but also pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cocktails.”
Rose Compendium: a Journey Within Pages
A bold and vibrant collection, The Rose Compendium is presented in a volume that echoes a botanist’s journal, complete with a clay-hued Quinel Nubuk cover, handwritten notes, evocative illustrations depicting plants and glassware, and a meticulously curated glossary. A book to be discovered, best enjoyed while sinking into the country-chic surroundings of the American Bar, where the ambiance is shaped by heather-dyed Scottish cashmere walls, lilac marble fireplaces, and vintage-inspired lamps softly illuminating the space.
An intimate yet glamorous setting, perfect for savouring cocktails infused with a distinctive genius loci. The signature touch? Each botanical flourishes in two distinct drinks: one honouring the native flora of the Gleneagles ecosystem — a concept designed also to minimise kitchen waste — and the other showcasing collaborations with local artisans, crafting Rosaceae-inspired ingredients.
The Botanical World of Cocktails
Take the Apple section, for example, where the Blossom Breeze sees gin paired with a soda made from repurposed apple cores and peels, while the Orchard Sap offers a harmonious blend of Scotch whisky and cider. Or the Cherry chapter, where the Smoked Cherry elevates a previously unused cherry preserve syrup, mixing it with sparkling mate and mezcal, while the Cherrywood combines whisky, espresso, and cherry liqueur for a deeply layered experience.
Then there’s the deliberate exception — the rule-breaking cocktail: Barley. A bold reinterpretation of the iconic Rob Roy, this Scotch whisky-based classic is offered in three variations — Sweet, Perfect, and Dry — each featuring a different whisky to highlight the distinct characteristics of malted barley. Completing the experience is a bespoke “vermouth”, created in collaboration with a local distillery, naturally infused with rosehip.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Images courtesy Gleaneagles, courtesy John Hersey
