Ingredients

2 tbsp lime juice

2 fl oz cranberry juice (100% pure preferred)

1 fl oz Cointreau

1 fl oz vodka

Sparkling water, to top

2 tbsp granulated sugar (for glass rim)

Lime juice, as needed (for glass rim)

1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)

2 tbsp sugar (for frosting rosemary)

Dehydrated orange slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pour 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar into a small shallow bowl and place a small amount of lime juice in a separate shallow bowl. Dip the rim of each glass into the lime juice, letting excess drip off, then dip into the sugar to coat the rim evenly.

Step 2: Rinse the rosemary sprig briefly under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. While slightly damp, roll the rosemary sprig in 2 tablespoons of sugar until fully coated and frosted.

Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker one third full with ice. Add vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until well chilled and combined.

Step 4: Add ice cubes or spheres to the prepared sugar-rimmed glasses. Strain the cocktail mixture evenly into the glasses. Top each glass with sparkling water to your desired fizz level, stirring gently to combine.

Step 5: Garnish each cocktail with a dehydrated orange slice and the frosted rosemary sprig. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors.

Tips & Variations

Use 100% pure cranberry juice for the best tart flavor; adjust simple syrup sweetness if using cranberry juice cocktail.

Substitute triple sec, Grand Marnier, or orange juice with zest in place of Cointreau.

Gin can be used instead of vodka for a herbal twist that complements the rosemary.

If fresh rosemary isn’t available, try fresh thyme or sage leaves; use dried rosemary sparingly.

Swap sparkling water with club soda, tonic, or ginger ale for different flavor dimensions.

For garnish alternatives, try fresh orange slices, lime wheels, fresh cranberries, or cinnamon sticks.

Gently muddle the rosemary in the shaker to release oils without bitterness, and always add sparkling water last to preserve fizz.

Storage

Make the rosemary simple syrup up to a week ahead and store it sealed in the fridge. Dehydrated orange slices keep for months at room temperature in an airtight container. The cocktail itself is best served fresh; however, you can premix the cranberry juice, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice portions and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Add sparkling water and garnish just before serving to maintain fizz and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use cranberry juice cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice?

Yes, but cranberry juice cocktail is pre-sweetened, so you may want to reduce the sugar in your simple syrup or skip it entirely to avoid an overly sweet drink.

What should I do if I don’t have fresh rosemary for the garnish?

You can substitute fresh thyme, sage, or even a cinnamon stick to provide a seasonal and aromatic garnish that complements the cocktail’s flavors.