Name: Festive Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Recipes with herbs
Ingredients: 2 oz vodka (or gin); 1 oz rosemary simple syrup; 3 oz cranberry juice (I prefer unsweetened cranberry juice); ½ oz lime juice or fresh orange juice; Ice; Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish; 3-4 rosemary sprigs; 1 cup (128 g, 4,5 oz) raw sugar; 1 cup (240 ml, 8 oz)) water; juice from 1/2 lemon (optional)

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This festive Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail with rosemary syrup is a perfect treat for a cozy evening or holiday parties.

Every year, I find myself returning to the same herbs that define the season – rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme. They remind me that nature offers endless ways to celebrate, even in something as simple as a rosemary cocktail shared among friends.

If you’ve been following my herbal recipes, you know I love finding simple, natural ways to bring herbs into everyday life – not just in teas or balms, but in those small, joyful rituals that make a season feel special.

It’s not about drinking for the sake of it. It’s about slowing down, creating something fragrant, beautiful, and full of flavor that feels like a toast to winter itself. With its ruby red cranberry hue, aromatic rosemary syrup, and the sparkle of citrus, this cocktail is both festive and grounding.

What Makes This Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail Feel So Special?

When I first mixed this cranberry rosemary cocktail, I wasn’t trying to create a “bar drink.” I was playing with the flavors of winter — the tart brightness of cranberry juice and the earthy, pine aroma of fresh rosemary that always fills my kitchen this time of year.

You can make it with vodka, gin, or even skip the alcohol for a mocktail. Either way, the heart of it is the rosemary syrup, which you can use in so many other ways, too.

Why Cranberry and Rosemary Belong Together

I love how cranberry and rosemary complement each other. The cranberry brings a lively tartness, while the rosemary adds depth and a touch of forest. Together, they taste like walking through pine trees after a frost.

In herbal terms, rosemary is stimulating and cleansing. It wakes up your senses and supports circulation. Pair that with antioxidant-rich cranberries, and you’ve got a drink that’s not only delicious but nourishing in its own subtle way.

Make It Your Own: Gin, Vodka, or Mocktail

Making the Rosemary Infused Simple Syrup

The secret behind this rosemary cocktail is the rosemary syrup, and it’s as easy as making herbal tea.

In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Now comes the important part – add a few fresh rosemary sprigs while the syrup is still warm but not boiling. This step lets the syrup infuse without turning bitter.

Let it steep for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice the fragrance deepening and the color shifting slightly as the essential oils release. Once it cools, strain and pour into a clean glass bottle. Refrigerate and use it within a week.

This rosemary infused simple syrup is lovely in teas, lemonades, or drizzled over poached pears, so don’t be surprised if you start making it on repeat.

Making a Perfect holiday cocktail

If you want a stronger rosemary flavor, add an extra rosemary sprig or let it steep a little longer. But don’t overdo it. Rosemary is powerful, and a little goes a long way.

And here’s my favorite trick: use fresh rosemary whenever possible. It has bright essential oils that dried rosemary just can’t match. The goal is a syrup that smells like a winter walk through the garden, not like your kitchen herbs cabinet.

Ingredients to make A Perfect holiday cocktail

Ingredients for the Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail

For one glass:

vodka (or gin)
rosemary simple syrup
cranberry juice (I prefer unsweetened cranberry juice)
lime juice or fresh orange juice
Ice

Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish

You’ll also need a cocktail shaker with ice, a strainer, and your favorite glass with ice — a double old fashioned glass works perfectly.

Garnishing Your Festive Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail

Mixing the Cocktail – Step by Step

In your cocktail shaker, add the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
Shake it well — about 15 seconds — until the shaker feels cold.
Strain into a glass with ice or serve in a coupe for something more elegant.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

That’s it. An easy cocktail, naturally beautiful, and filled with festive flavors.

Make It Your Own: Gin, Vodka, or Mocktail

Vodka version: Clean and classic – lets the cranberry and rosemary syrup shine.

Gin version: A bit more botanical, a wonderful twist if you like herbal notes.

Mocktail version: Skip the alcohol, top with soda water or ginger beer, and you have a sparkling herbal refresher for everyone.

Every version keeps the essence of the cranberry and rosemary pairing: tart, aromatic, and just sweet enough.

Garnishing Your Festive Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail

I love decorating this drink, it’s half the fun. Float a few fresh cranberries on top and add a rosemary sprig like a tiny evergreen tree. If you’re feeling creative, lightly toast the rosemary sprig with a match before adding it. The gentle smoke brings out a woodsy aroma that transforms every sip.

Sometimes, I even rim the glass with a bit of sugar for sparkle. It catches the candlelight beautifully at night.

What Makes This Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail Feel So Special?

Cranberry Cocktail Tips

If you’re hosting, make your rosemary syrup a few days in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. You can also mix a large batch of the cocktail in a pitcher (without ice), then pour over ice when guests arrive.

This saves time and keeps the drink tasting perfectly fresh. A good rosemary simple syrup lasts about a week in the fridge, though mine rarely lasts that long!

Serving Ideas for Holiday Gatherings

Serve this festive cranberry rosemary cocktail alongside cheese boards, roasted nuts, or citrusy desserts. It pairs wonderfully with winter flavors like pear, orange, and vanilla.

If you prefer non-alcoholic gatherings, pour the same mix over sparkling soda water you’ll still enjoy all the herbal aroma and festive cranberry sparkle, just without the spirits.

Yield: 1 serving