Every once in a while, a spirit comes along that doesn’t just elevateyour cocktail—it transforms the moment. Enter Citadelle Rouge Gin, the latest berry-kissed expression from the award-winning French distillery that’s rewriting the rules of summertime sipping.
If you’ve tried Citadelle’s core gin—a bright, 19-botanical blend built on centuries-old Cognac distilling traditions—you already know the brand doesn’t take shortcuts. Now, founder Alexandre Gabriel is back with Rouge, a lush, fruit-forward twist on his signature formula, bottled at a bold 83.4 proof and infused with ripe berries and rhubarb for a flavor that’s anything but ordinary.
Gabriel’s inspiration? A jar of his wife’s berry and rhubarb jam. The scent alone brought back memories of his grandmother’s preserves—tart, rich, and bursting with fruit. That nostalgic spark became the blueprint for Citadelle Rouge, which folds in cranberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, and rhubarb atop the brand’s signature botanical base. Unlike many berry-infused spirits, Rouge isn’t artificially pink. There’s no added color—just pure, natural vibrancy that plays out in every sip.
From the first taste, Rouge stands out. The upfront berry brightness gives way to subtle herbal and citrus undertones, a balance that makes it ideal for summer cocktails without losing the complexity gin lovers crave. Try it in a Citadelle Rouge Bramble, where it’s shaken with lemon juice, blackberry liqueur, and simple syrup, then served over crushed ice. The result? Fresh, cooling, and impossibly refreshing.
But Rouge is more than just a seasonal stunt. It’s part of a growing experimental series from Citadelle, which has previously released intriguing expressions like Jardin d’Été (featuring Charentais melon) and Vive Le Cornichon, an unexpected but delicious nod to French pickling culture.
Whether you’re stocking your bar cart or planning your next rooftop soirée, Citadelle Rouge is now available nationwide for around $30. You’ll find it online at retailers like Total Wine, alongside the distillery’s beloved flagship and its more adventurous limited-edition gins.
So if your go-to gin feels a little tired lately, this is your sign. Citadelle Rouge Gin is the kind of spirit that doesn’t just taste like summer—it tastes like a memory you never want to forget.
