This holiday season, give your party guests the gift of not having a hangover: The flavors of the season combine in this simple spritzer that’s equal parts festive and refreshing. A rosemary–and clove–infused simple syrup gives the drink an herbaceous edge, while cranberry juice and ginger beer bring subtle tartness and effervescence. It’s the perfect drink for everyone—even those who may want to be a little naughty by spiking it with a splash of vodka or gin.
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Cranberry-Rosemary Spritzer
Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen for Crate and Barrel
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 15 minutes, plus cooling time
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 16 minutes, plus cooling time
Ingredients
For the Rosemary–Infused Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
8 large rosemary sprigs
1 star anise
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Mocktail:
4 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice
1½ ounces rosemary-infused simple syrup
Ice
2 ounces ginger beer
1 rosemary sprig, for garnish
1 fresh cranberry, for garnish
½ red crab apple, for garnish
Directions
1. Make the rosemary-infused simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine all of the ingredients for the rosemary-infused simple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until all the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow to fully cool. Strain the syrup and reserve for later.
2. Make the cocktail: In a stirring glass, add the unsweetened cranberry juice, rosemary-infused simple syrup and ice, and stir with a bar spoon until the mixture is chilled. Add the ginger beer and stir just twice quickly, until the ginger beer is mixed in but the carbonation hasn't completely evaporated. Strain the cocktail over ice in a rocks glass, garnish with a bar skewer holding the three garnishes, then serve.
Crate and Barrel provided the product featured here and sponsored this post.