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Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail with Rosemary – Best Easy Holiday Drink

sparkling cranberry mocktail with rosemary - featured image
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A refreshing and elegant non-alcoholic holiday drink made with tart cranberry juice, sparkling water, and fresh rosemary. This easy mocktail comes together in under 10 minutes and is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) unsweetened cranberry juice (100% juice)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chilled sparkling water or club soda
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 4 to 6 fresh rosemary sprigs, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish
  • Ice cubes (enough to fill glasses)
  • Optional: orange slices or lemon wheels for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rosemary infusion: Place 4 to 6 fresh rosemary sprigs in a large pitcher. Gently press on them with the back of a wooden spoon to bruise the needles and release the oils. Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of unsweetened cranberry juice over the rosemary. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not steep longer than 20 minutes to avoid bitterness.
  2. Sweeten to taste: After steeping, remove the rosemary sprigs (or leave one or two for looks). Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey or simple syrup. Stir gently until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (add another tablespoon if too tart, or a splash more cranberry juice if too sweet).
  3. Chill the base: Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, until well chilled.
  4. Prepare the garnishes: Rinse fresh cranberries and pat dry. If using orange slices, cut into thin wheels. Set aside extra fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish.
  5. Assemble the drinks: Fill each glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled cranberry-rosemary base into each glass, filling about two-thirds full. Top with sparkling water or club soda (about 1/2 cup or 120 ml per glass). Stir gently to combine.
  6. Garnish and serve: Drop a few fresh cranberries into each glass. Add an orange slice if desired. Tuck a fresh rosemary sprig into the glass, letting it stick out slightly. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, steep rosemary in cranberry juice for exactly 10-15 minutes—longer can make it bitter. Always add sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz. The cranberry-rosemary base can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. For a warm version, heat the base (without sparkling water) gently on the stovetop and serve in mugs.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry mocktail, rosemary mocktail, holiday drink, non-alcoholic, easy mocktail, sparkling drink, Christmas drink, New Year's Eve drink

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/sparkling-cranberry-mocktail-with-rosemary-best-easy-holiday-drink/