Description
This Holiday Gin Fizz is a delicious, refreshing, and festive cocktail perfect for any holiday occasion! It combines gin, cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and a homemade rosemary simple syrup, all topped with bubbly club soda.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
For the Holiday Gin Fizz (per serving):
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice (not cranberry juice cocktail)
- 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce Rosemary Simple Syrup (from recipe above)
- Club soda, chilled
- Ice cubes
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cranberries
- Fresh rosemary sprig
Equipment:
- Cocktail Shaker
- Tall Glass (Collins or Highball)
Instructions
1. Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil vigorously, just heat until dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary to the hot syrup.
- Let the rosemary steep in the syrup for at least 15 minutes (longer for a stronger flavor).
- Remove and discard the rosemary sprigs.
- Let the syrup cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
2. Make the Holiday Gin Fizz:
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add the gin, cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of the cooled rosemary simple syrup to the shaker.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Fill a tall glass (Collins or highball) with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
- Top off the drink with chilled club soda.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Rosemary Simple Syrup: Making a larger batch (as suggested in the original recipe with 1 cup water/1 cup sugar) is convenient if you plan to make multiple cocktails. Adjust the amount of rosemary if desired. Ensure the syrup is completely cool before using in the cocktail.
- Gin: Use your favorite brand of gin. A London Dry style works well here.
- Cranberry Juice: Use 100% cranberry juice (often labeled “unsweetened” or “pure”) for the intended tartness. Cranberry juice cocktail is much sweeter and will significantly alter the drink’s balance.
- Elderflower Liqueur: Brands like St-Germain are popular choices.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for brightness.
- Serving Glass: A tall Collins or highball glass is traditional for a fizz cocktail.