The Winter Solstice Gin Tonic Cranberry Rosemary Bliss

Instructions:

1. Phase 1: Making the Syrup. Combine cranberries, sugar, water, rosemary, and juniper berries (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat slightly and cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop and the liquid thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes for maximum flavour infusion. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing gently on the solids. Discard solids.
4. Allow the syrup to cool completely before use (about 20 minutes, or speed up in the freezer for 10 minutes). Store leftovers in the fridge.
5. Phase 2: Building the Cocktail. Fill your chosen highball or Copa glass with ice and set aside to chill while preparing the mixture.
6. In a cocktail shaker (or directly into the glass if skipping the shaker), combine the Gin, cooled Cranberry-Rosemary Syrup, and fresh Lime Juice.
7. Add ice to the shaker, seal, and shake briefly (about 10 seconds) to integrate and chill the mixture.
8. Discard the ice from the serving glass. Add fresh ice to the serving glass. Strain the chilled gin mixture over the fresh ice.
9. Top slowly with chilled tonic water. Gently stir once or twice from the bottom up to integrate without losing too much fizz.
10. Garnish immediately with a thin wheel of dehydrated orange or lime, and a small, fresh rosemary tip floated on top.