This vibrant cocktail mixes cranberry juice, fresh rosemary, and cool vodka for a refreshing drink. It’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in!
Plus, the rosemary adds a lovely herbal touch that makes it fancy, even if you made it in five minutes. Who knew looking stylish could be so easy? 🍹
I love serving this drink with a sprig of rosemary on top; it looks beautiful and tastes great too! It’s a fun twist for your next get-together with friends.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Any good quality vodka works here. If you’re looking for a twist, you can try flavored vodkas like citrus or vanilla. They add an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with the cranberry.
Cranberry Juice: Use unsweetened or 100% juice to keep it fresh and not overly sweet. If you can’t find that, look for cranberry juice cocktail, but be mindful of the sugar content.
Simple Syrup: It’s easy to make at home by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved. If you’re watching your sugar, you can substitute with agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener.
Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh is best for flavor! In a pinch, bottled lime juice will work, but it lacks the freshness of the real thing. You can also use lemon juice if lime isn’t available.
Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary adds a lovely herbal note. If you don’t have fresh, dried rosemary can work, but use it sparingly as it’s more potent. Alternatively, basil can be a nice substitute for a different twist.
How Do I Muddle Herbs Without Overdoing It?
Muddling releases essential oils, but too much can make your drink bitter. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a gentle twisting motion rather than crushing the herb.
- Only muddle at the bottom of the shaker; don’t grind it to bits.
- Just a few soft presses are all you need to bring out the flavor.
This method keeps your cocktail balanced and refreshing, ensuring that the rosemary enhances rather than overwhelms the drink!
Cranberry Rosemary Vodka Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or 100% juice)
- 1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for muddling and garnish)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 5 minutes to make. It’s a quick and easy drink that you can whip up in no time, perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Rosemary:
Start by placing one small sprig of fresh rosemary in a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle it with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Just a few light presses will do; we want to release the oil without crushing the herb too much.
2. Add the Liquids:
Next, pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice into the shaker with the muddled rosemary. This mix of flavors will create a refreshingly delicious cocktail.
3. Shake It Up:
Now, fill the shaker with ice and shake it vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want the mixture to chill nicely while combining all those lovely flavors together!
4. Prepare Your Glass:
Grab a rocks glass, filling it with crushed ice or ice cubes. This will keep your cocktail nice and cold as you enjoy it!
5. Strain the Cocktail:
Carefully strain the frosty mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass. This will leave any sediments from the muddled rosemary behind, giving you a smooth drink.
6. Garnish and Present:
To finish, garnish your cocktail with a fresh sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries skewered on a cocktail pick. It’s not just for looks; the rosemary will enhance the aroma as you sip!
7. Cheers!
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and aromatic Cranberry Rosemary Vodka Cocktail! Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Juice?
Absolutely! While cranberry juice is the star, you can blend it with other juices like orange or pomegranate for a unique flavor. Just keep the balance in mind so it doesn’t get overly sweet.
How Do I Make Simple Syrup?
Making simple syrup is easy! Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge for up to a month!
Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and rosemary in advance. Just store it in the fridge and shake again with ice before serving!
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail Ingredients?
For leftover ingredients, store cranberry juice in an airtight container in the fridge—it should last about a week. Fresh rosemary can be stored in a damp paper towel in the fridge for several days. Simple syrup can be refrigerated as mentioned earlier and used later!
