Spiced Cranberry Rosemary Winter Warmer

Recipe Introduction: Spiced Cranberry & Rosemary Winter Warmer

Fancy a winter cocktail that's not just another sugary mess? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm sharing my Spiced Cranberry & Rosemary Winter Warmer. It's like a hug in a glass.

This little beauty takes the humble cranberry and turns it into a festive cocktail . With rosemary, warm spices, and a glug of gin (or vodka if you must), it's pure Christmas Cocktail Recipes bliss.

A Cozy Winter Drinks With a Story

Think roaring fires and carol singing. This winter warmer drinks recipe is inspired by old family recipes and the need for something a bit more sophisticated than mulled wine.

Originating from my attempts to jazz up the annual family Xmas Party Drinks , It’s super simple. This recipe is perfect for beginners.

The simple syrup is ready in under an hour. This recipe yields two delicious holiday christmas drinks , perfect for sharing or not!

Why This Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail Rocks

Forget the sickly sweet cranberry juice. The health benefits are in the cranberries, packed with antioxidants. They're brilliant for keeping those winter sniffles at bay.

This Holiday Cocktail Ideas is ideal for your next holiday gathering or a quiet night in. Trust me. The spiced syrup is what makes this drink extra special.

It's like Christmas in a glass. It's the perfect Alcoholic Winter Drinks .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Spiced Cranberry & Rosemary Winter Warmer

Let's get our stuff together for these amazing winter cocktails ! Honestly, the key to a banging drink is having quality ingredients.

And don't stress about fancy tools! I'll let you know my secret weapon.

Main Ingredients

This recipe makes two Holiday Christmas Drinks . Here’s the lowdown on what you need:

• Spiced Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup:

  • Fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 cup (200g) . They should be plump and juicy.
  • Water: 1 cup (240ml) .
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) .
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs: 2 .
  • Cinnamon stick: 1 .
  • Whole cloves: 3 .
  • Orange zest: 1 strip . Just the colored part, folks. Avoid the white pith underneath.

• For Each Winter Themed Alcoholic Drink:

  • Gin (or vodka): 2 ounces (60ml) . Use your favorite brand.
  • Fresh orange juice: 1 ounce (30ml) . Seriously, fresh is best.
  • Spiced cranberry rosemary simple syrup: 1.5 ounces (45ml) .
  • Garnish: Orange wedge, rosemary sprig.

Seasoning Notes for Awesome Alcoholic Winter Drinks

The magic is in the spices, peeps!

• Spice Combo : Cinnamon and cloves? Essential ! They bring that holiday feeling.
• Flavor Enhancers : Orange zest adds zing !
• Rosemary : Fresh herbs makes this amazing.
• Substitution : No rosemary? Thyme works. But easy on the thyme, okay?
• Pro-Tip : It is always great to use fresh ingredients

Equipment Needed for Your Festive Cocktails Recipes

Keep it simple. We are making Holiday Cocktail Ideas , not brain surgery.

• Small saucepan: For the syrup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: No guessing!
• Jigger/shot glass: For the booze.
• Cocktail shaker: Shaking things up!
• Muddler (optional): For extra rosemary oomph .
• Cocktail strainer: Get rid of ice shards.
• Two cocktail glasses: Coupe? Martini? Whatever floats your boat.

Don’t have a cocktail shaker? A mason jar with a lid works too! Just make sure it's really secure when you shake. Trust me on this one.

Spiced Cranberry & Rosemary Winter Warmer

Alright, lovelies! Let's get festive. Fancy some winter cocktails that’ll knock your Christmas socks off? Honestly, after a long day battling the British weather, nothing beats a proper drink.

This Spiced Cranberry & Rosemary Winter Warmer is just the ticket. Forget those sad, watery Holiday Christmas Drinks ; this is the real deal.

This recipe is perfect for all your Xmas Party Drinks . It's easy peasy, I promise.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, the mise en place . That's fancy chef talk for "get everything ready". Before we dive into Festive Cocktails Recipes , let's get organised.

Grab your cranberries, rosemary, spices, booze and orange. Have your equipment to hand too. This makes it all so smooth.

Always make sure your work surface is clean. Also, watch out for sharp knives!

step-by-step to Cocktail Heaven

Here's how to make this absolute belter of a cocktail:

1. Make the Syrup: In a pan, add 1 cup (200g) cranberries , 1 cup (240ml) water , 1 cup (200g) sugar , 2 rosemary sprigs , 1 cinnamon stick , 3 cloves , and orange zest .
2. Simmer Away: Bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 5 minutes . Stir until the sugar dissolves. The cranberries should pop!
3. Infuse the Magic: Take off the heat. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
4. Strain Time: Strain that gorgeous syrup into a jar. Chuck the solids away. Let it cool down fully.
5. Shake it Up: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
6. Booze Time: Add 2 ounces (60ml) gin , 1 ounce (30ml) orange juice , and 1.5 ounces (45ml) simple syrup .
7. Shake Hard: Give it a good shake. We are talking 15-20 seconds .
8. Pour and Garnish: Strain into two chilled glasses. Add an orange wedge and rosemary.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Cocktail Game

Fancy making this even better ? For a stronger rosemary flavor, give the sprig a little muddle in the shaker.

Watch out though, too much and it can be overpowering! You could even warm up the soul with some Winter Warmer Drinks .

If you are scaling up, remember this: chilled glasses matter . Seriously, chill those glasses. A common mistake? Not using enough ice.

Load it up! Want a non-alcoholic Holiday Cocktail Ideas ? Leave out the gin and add a dash more cranberry juice.

Boom! The perfect Alcoholic Winter Drinks , plus a version for the whole fam! You might find some Cozy Winter Drinks might be just what you need! This recipe will definitely take care of your Christmas Cocktail Recipes cravings.

I love a nice Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail !

Enjoy your delicious Winter Themed Alcoholic Drinks ! Honestly, you’ll be a cocktail wizard in no time. Cheers!

Recipe Notes for Your Spiced Cranberry & Rosemary Winter Warmer

Right then, let's dive into a few notes to make sure your winter cocktails are absolutely smashing. Honestly, these are the bits that can take your Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail from "meh" to "wow!".

These Festive Cocktails Recipes are so good that you'll probably be sharing them at all of your parties, but before you do, let's have a look at how you can get that special winter warmer flavor!

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On

Presentation matters, you know? Pop that Alcoholic Winter Drinks into a pretty coupe glass. A sugared rim is always a winner.

And don't forget that rosemary sprig and orange wedge. They aren't just for show. Think about serving these Holiday Christmas Drinks alongside a cheese board.

Cheddar, brie, maybe some spiced nuts. Oh my gosh! That's the life right there! And what about a warm slice of gingerbread to add some Xmas Party Drinks ?

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Safe

The simple syrup will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Just pop it in an airtight container.

Ta-dah! The actual cocktail is best made fresh, but if you've mixed too much and let's be honest, it does happen.

You can keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Any longer and it will lose its sparkle. I do not recommend freezing the cocktail.

It's better to make a fresh batch. I mean, who doesn't love a freshly made Cozy Winter Drinks ?

Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Make It

Fancy a change? Swap out the gin or vodka for bourbon. It'll give it a warm, Winter Warmer Drinks kind of vibe.

Or how about a splash of Prosecco for a bit of festive fizz? If you want to leave out the alcohol, just skip the gin/vodka altogether.

You can even try cranberry juice or a non-alcoholic gin alternative instead to create these Holiday Cocktail Ideas . The secret to a good Christmas Cocktail Recipes is to make it your own!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of What You Fancy

Okay, so this isn't exactly a health drink. But it's not all bad news. Each serving is roughly 220 calories, with about 25g of carbs and 20g of sugar.

But hey, it's Christmas! A little indulgence never hurt anyone, right?

There you have it. Now, get out there and make some amazing Winter Themed Alcoholic Drinks . Don't be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, have fun! You can't go wrong!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good tips to consider when making this winter cocktails recipe?

To elevate your Spiced Cranberry & Rosemary Winter Warmer, remember these tips! For a more intense rosemary flavor, muddle a sprig in your shaker before adding ice. Make sure all your ingredients are well chilled before serving to create the perfect winter cocktail.

Can I make these winter cocktails ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely, batching is your friend! You can prepare the spiced cranberry rosemary simple syrup up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best flavor and fizz, mix the cocktails just before serving. Nobody wants a flat drink at their Christmas shindig!

I don't have gin, can I substitute anything else in these winter cocktails?

No worries, a substitution is easy! Vodka is a classic alternative that allows the cranberry and rosemary flavours to really shine through. For a richer, warmer flavour profile, try using bourbon or rye whiskey, transforming it into a "Cranberry Old Fashioned Warmth" style drink.

How can I make this recipe non-alcoholic so the kids can enjoy it?

Making a kid-friendly version is simple! Omit the gin or vodka entirely. To maintain the same volume and flavour profile, add a splash of cranberry juice or a non-alcoholic gin alternative. You could even top it off with sparkling cider for a festive touch.

How long will the spiced cranberry rosemary simple syrup last, and how should I store it?

Your spiced cranberry rosemary simple syrup is good for up to a week when stored properly. Simply pour the cooled syrup into an airtight container, like a mason jar, and keep it in the refrigerator. This is a great way to prep ahead for all your winter cocktail needs!

What kind of food pairings go well with these winter cocktails?

These festive winter cocktails pair beautifully with a variety of foods. Try serving them alongside a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar and creamy brie. Spiced nuts like pecans or walnuts also complement the drink's warm, spiced flavors.

For a sweet treat, pair them with a slice of gingerbread or Christmas cake it's the perfect cozy combination!