Cranberry Rosemary Sparkler

This mocktail uses a short rosemary-honey syrup to soften the cranberry’s sharp edges, then lightens the drink with sparkling water for a bright, festive sip. It is served over ice with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for a holiday look and a clear herbal aroma.

By Julienne

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 60 ml water for the syrup
• 20 g honey
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 sprigs for syrup, 2 sprigs for garnish
• 480 ml cranberry juice unsweetened or lightly sweetened
• 400 g ice for serving
• 80 g fresh cranberries for garnish
• 480 ml sparkling water chilled
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 sprigs for syrup, 2 sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 60 ml water, 20 g honey, and 2 rosemary sprigs. Set over medium heat and stir just until the honey dissolves. The liquid is clear and the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Simmer gently for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let the rosemary steep for 3 minutes. The syrup smells distinctly of rosemary without turning bitter or overly woody.
3. Strain the syrup into a pitcher, discard the rosemary, and stir in 480 ml cranberry juice. The pitcher contains a smooth, evenly colored cranberry mixture with no herb bits.
4. Divide 400 g ice among 4 tall glasses. Add 20 g fresh cranberries to each glass. Each glass is cold and visibly filled with ice and cranberries.
5. Pour the cranberry mixture evenly into the glasses, then top each with 120 ml sparkling water. The drink foams lightly, then settles into a bright red, bubbly mocktail.
6. Garnish each glass with 1 rosemary sprig and serve immediately. Each drink has a fresh rosemary garnish and a crisp, lively surface.