Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Water (for syrup)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for syrup)
  • 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (for syrup)
  • 2 large Cinnamon Sticks (for syrup)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (approx. 4 inches, for syrup)
  • 2 fluid ounces Bourbon Whiskey (or Aged Rum, per cocktail)
  • 75 fluid ounces Fresh Lemon Juice (per cocktail)
  • 75 fluid ounces Spiced Cranberry-Rosemary Simple Syrup (chilled, per cocktail)
  • 2 dashes Angostura or Orange Bitters (per cocktail)
  • 4 fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
  • 4-8 sugared cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Orange peel twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Simmer the Base: Combine water, sugar, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Muddle and Reduce: Once simmering, gently mash (muddle) the cranberries against the side of the pot to release their juices. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the mixture is slightly thickened and the cranberries have burst.
  3. Steep and Strain: Remove the pan from the heat. Allow the mixture to steep for an additional 15 minutes to fully infuse the rosemary and cinnamon flavours.
  4. Cool: Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve (press gently on the solids). Discard the solids. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before use.
  5. Chill Glassware: Place the serving glasses (Rocks or Coupe) into the freezer or fill them with ice water to chill while preparing the drink.
  6. Measure Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker tin, combine the Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, chilled cranberry syrup, and bitters.
  7. Add Ice and Shake: Fill the shaker two-thirds full with fresh, high-quality ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the tin is frosty to the touch.
  8. Double Strain and Serve: Empty the chilled glass of ice/water. Double strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
  9. Aromatic Rosemary: Take a small sprig of fresh rosemary and lightly slap it between your palms to release the essential oils. Place it directly into the drink or use a butane torch to gently flame the sprig for maximum aroma.
  10. Citrus Expression: Twist a strip of orange peel over the drink to express the oils onto the surface, then drop the twist into the glass or discard. Serve immediately, optionally adding sugared cranberries.