Rosemary-Cranberry Mocktail

One year when I was living in New York City my friend asked me if I wanted to go on a Christmas bar crawl. As someone rare to drink as it was at the time, I said yes to the experience (and because I love the holiday vibes). Plus, New York City knows how to throw a party and I knew we’d see some fun characters and decor while out and about. I believe it was our first stop where I had this delicious rosemary cocktail. It was classy, served in my favorite type of shallow champagne glass (I don’t know if that’s what it’s called, I also don’t care), and the flavors were just… right.

This mocktail is tart and savory – a combo you may question but just go with it PLEASE – with just the hintiest hint of sweet rosemary, the tang of cranberry, and the glorious bubbles of club soda (or soda water, your choice). As someone who no longer drinks but who still loves a fizzy, fun beverage (like this Cranberry-Ginger Mocktail) I wanted to make a mocktail versioning of the rare holiday cocktail I still remember. 

Cheers to whatever you’re celebrating, whenever you’re celebrating! 

WHAT IS A MOCKTAIL?

A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that includes the variety of elements a traditional cocktail might have, minus the alcohol. As more and more people, like myself, pivot away from drinking alcohol for their health or any other reason (which is their business, and theirs alone), mocktails are a great way to have a fun, fancy-feeling beverage that isn’t simply a soda. Don’t get me wrong, I love a Dr. Pepper, but a mocktail just hits a different vibe. Sometimes they serve as the key drink at Thanksgiving or a brunch with friends or they may just simply be the afternoon pick-me-up you need (in a fun glass of course). Mocktails often include a variety of juices, herbs, and an element of fizz (club soda, ginger beer, seltzer), shaken or stirred together and topped with a fun garnish.

INGREDIENTS

• Fresh rosemary – Fresh rosemary is key in this mocktail as we are turning it into a simple syrup. The oils from the fresh rosemary infuse the syrup to give that uniquely distinct herby flavor.
• Water – At the base of most simple syrups, is water. This is the liquid element that we are infusing to create the sweetened, rosemary syrup for our mocktail.
• Honey or maple syrup – This choice is up to you and depends on your flavor preferences. I interchange between the two, depending on what I have on hand but since you are heating the sugar to make the simple syrup, they both work easily for this recipe.
• Unsweetened cranberry juice – She tart! Make sure that you are getting 100% cranberry juice with no sugar added. This will act as the core base for your mocktail and is included for both flavor and punch. There are enough additional sugary elements, you don’t need this one to be sweetened as well.
• Fresh orange juice – While you can use storebought, I prefer to juice my oranges for this drink which ensures my mocktail isn’t overly sweet.
• Sparkling water or club soda – What’s a mocktail without a little fizz? It’s a requirement! For this mocktail, we want an unflavored seltzer.
• Ice cubes – If you have a shaker, you’re welcome to shake your mixture with ice and then strain it out, but if you prefer a cube in your glass, you do you!
• Fresh cranberries – Not required, these simply act as a lovely decor on top of your drink. BONUS: Using frozen cranberries acts as an additional cooling element for your drink, without watering it down!
• Orange slices – I dehydrated orange slices (cause I’m super fancy >> not really) for my garnish (see note below for how), but you’re welcome to simple slice and top with fresh orange as well.
• Rosemary sprigs – For an added garnish, and to clue your drinker into the flavors they are about to experience, adding a little sprig of rosemary is a fun way to spruce up your beverage

HOW TO MAKE A ROSEMARY-CRANBERRY MOCKTAIL

First, you’re going to make your rosemary simple syrup. Simply place your rosemary, water, and either maple syrup or honey (your choice!) in a small pot over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, reduce to low and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the rosemary steep at room temperature in the syrup for 20 minutes before straining out your rosemary and pouring your syrup into a heat-proof container to cool completely.

In a pitcher, combine your cranberry juice,  orange juice, rosemary syrup, and ice. Stir and pour into your glasses. When you’re ready to serve, top each glass with club soda and finish with a slice of orange, cranberries, and a rosemary sprig if desired!

3 reasons you’ll love this mocktail

MAKING AHEAD & STORING

This is the perfect recipe to make in advance of your next get-together – or to just have a fun drink on hand for yourself throughout the week. Simply make your rosemary simple syrup and allow it to cool before mixing your remaining ingredients (excluding the club soda, ice, and any garnishes). This will keep in a pitcher in the fridge for a few days. Once you’re ready to use, fill your glasses with ice, pour over your rosemary-cranberry mixture, and top with club soda and any garnishes!

MORE MOCKTAIL RECIPES

Love a fun, fizzy drink? Try my Cranberry-Ginger mocktail or this vitamin-packed Winter Citrus Spritz!