Rosemary is my favorite herb to use in cocktails. Though I use it all year, it is perfect for the holidays, not only for its woodsy flavor but also as a colorful, evergreen garnish.
A traditional gimlet combines fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and gin. I’ve infused the simple syrup with rosemary. The herb’s layered pine, lemony, minty aromas make a complex combination with all of the botanicals used to make gin.
What Gin to Use in Your Holiday Gimlet Cocktail
I use a number of different gins regularly at home including Bombay Sapphire , Plymouth Gin, and Bilberry Hearts Black Hearts Gin from Journeyman Distillery, crafted nearby in Three Oaks, Michigan. The latter is so full of flavor, I prefer it with plain soda or on the rocks. For this recipe, I used Tanquerey, which just happens to be the perfect color bottle for a holiday drink display! If you prefer vodka, I have made this same recipe substituting vodka for gin and it is also delicious.
Make a Holiday Cocktail Garnish
To make a red and green holiday cocktail garnish, cut a piece of fresh rosemary about 2.5 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch. Poke a toothpick into one or two fresh cranberries. Thread the cranberry onto the rosemary.
Create a Festive, Holiday Cocktail Display for your Party
To create a festive display use holiday paper to line a tray or a bar cart. My favorite holiday wrapping papers are from Chicago paper company, Snow & Graham. You can also use their holiday tiny cards with place card holders to display the names of foods and drinks on your bar and buffet. I think it looks best to use a matte holiday paper not the crinkly shiny kind of wrapping paper. Nicer wrapping papers also have more weight, which keeps them flat on your tray.
Batching your Holiday Cocktail for a Crowd
To make a full pitcher or a drink dispenser of this Holiday Rosemary Gimlet, just do the multiplication and size up! You can also tone down the strength of the cocktail by making it a spritzer. Add soda water to the top of the cocktail. Sometimes, I have a pitcher of the full strength drink ready and a bottle of soda water on the side for people who want a less strong version.
Do you have a favorite holiday cocktail or entertaining tip? I’d love to hear about it! Leave me a comment below. Cheers!
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Rosemary Gimlet Cocktail with Holiday Garnish
Description
This festive cocktail has the aromatic flavor of rosemary and is easy to make. Batch the cocktail for large holiday parties. The garnish adds perfect Christmas color.
Ingredients
For one serving:
1 1/2 ounces rosemary-infused simple syrup (see recipe below)
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
2 ounces gin
Rosemary sprig & fresh cranberries for garnish
Rosemary Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 large sprigs of rosemary
Instructions
For the cocktail:
Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well for about a minute (a little dancing while you shake makes it taste better.)
Pour into a coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary skewered with fresh cranberries.
For the rosemary simple syrup:
Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan and stir over medium heat until dissolved and clear. Alternately, you can heat in the microwave in a glass measuring cup one minute at a time, stirring after each minute, until clear.
Remove from heat and add 3 sprigs of rosemary, at least 3 inches long. Leave for 20-30 minutes to infuse flavor.
Strain the rosemary out of the syrup. Store the syrup in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
If you want to make a large batch, just do the match and combined all the ingredients in a pitcher. I have also made it the day before and stored the pre-mixed cocktail in jars in the refridgerator until ready to drink.
At the holidays, I have also kept a batch of this in refridgerator so it is easy to grab and pour when visiting with friends.