Santa Claus Cranberry Rosemary Mocktail
The Santa Claus Cranberry Rosemary Mocktail is a festive, refreshing non-alcoholic drink that balances tart cranberry with bright citrus and aromatic rosemary. Cranberry-rosemary ice cubes keep the drink chilled while infusing subtle herbal notes, and a splash of sparkling orange water adds effervescence. Finished with a cinnamon stick, sugared cranberries, and orange peel, it’s a visually striking and seasonally spirited beverage perfect for holiday gatherings of all ages.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (78ml) cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz (15ml) rosemary simple syrup (see recipe above)
- 1/4 cup (59ml) orange juice
- Orange sparkling water
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- Strip of orange peel (for garnish)
- Rosemary sprig (for ice)
- Fresh cranberries (for ice)
For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup (237ml) water
- 1 cup (237ml) white sugar
- 1/4 cup (59ml) rosemary leaves (about 3-4 sprigs)
Method:
First, make the simple syrup. Combine the water, sugar and rosemary in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the rosemary to infuse in the sugar water for a minute before removing the pan from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool for about a half hour before removing the rosemary. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Next, take an empty ice tray and drop a couple cranberries in each indentation. Add a small sprig of rosemary in each one. Carefully fill the tray with water and place in the freezer until ready to use.
Fill a large glass with plenty of the cranberry rosemary ice. Add the cranberry juice, rosemary simple syrup and orange juice. Stir to combine.
Top with orange sparkling water to fill the glass.
Wet the cranberries with a little water and roll in sugar. Spear with a toothpick to lay across the rim.
Garnish with cinnamon stick and orange peel.