Orange Rosemary Drink
This Orange Rosemary Drink is a bright, herbal citrus beverage made with fresh orange and lemon juice, a fragrant rosemary syrup, and sparkling water. Serve it as a refreshing mocktail or add spirits for a simple cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar or honey for a softer flavor
- 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary about 4–5 inches long each
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice from about 4–6 medium oranges, such as navel or Valencia
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 1–2 lemons
- 1/2-3/4 cup cooled rosemary syrup adjust to taste
- 1-2 cups cold water still; adjust for desired strength
- 2-3 cups sparkling water or club soda chilled, for serving
- ice cubes for serving
- orange slices wheels, half-moons, or slices, for garnish
- fresh rosemary sprigs extra, for garnish and aroma
- 1-1 1/2 oz vodka, gin, or tequila blanco per serving, optional for cocktail version
- Cointreau or triple sec splash, optional for extra orange depth
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 4–5 fresh rosemary sprigs. Gently crush the rosemary with your fingers to help release the oils.1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Set the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is just starting to steam. Do not boil vigorously.1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Turn off the heat and let the rosemary steep in the hot syrup for 15–20 minutes. Taste at around 10 minutes and continue steeping if you prefer a stronger herbal note, but avoid letting it become bitter.4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Strain the syrup into a jar, discarding the rosemary sprigs. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
- Roll the oranges and lemons on the counter to loosen the juice. Cut them in half and juice using a citrus juicer or reamer. Strain if you prefer a smoother drink with no pulp, then measure 1 1/2 cups orange juice and 1/4 cup lemon juice.1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- In a large pitcher, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of the cooled rosemary syrup. Stir well.1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2-3/4 cup cooled rosemary syrup
- Taste the mixture. If you prefer it sweeter, add more rosemary syrup a tablespoon at a time, up to about 3/4 cup total. Add 1–2 cups cold still water to adjust the intensity: less water for a stronger, juice-like drink and more water for a lighter, infused-water style drink.1/2-3/4 cup cooled rosemary syrup, 1-2 cups cold water
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors can meld and the base is thoroughly chilled.
- When ready to serve, fill each glass with ice. For a cocktail version, add 1–1 1/2 oz vodka, gin, or tequila blanco to each glass, plus a splash of Cointreau or triple sec if desired.ice cubes, 1-1 1/2 oz vodka, gin, or tequila blanco, Cointreau or triple sec
- Pour the chilled orange rosemary base into each glass until 2/3 to 3/4 full.
- Top each glass with chilled sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently once so you don’t lose too much fizz.2-3 cups sparkling water or club soda
- Garnish each glass with an orange slice and a fresh rosemary sprig. Lightly clap the rosemary between your hands before adding it to release its aroma. Serve immediately.orange slices, fresh rosemary sprigs
Notes
The orange rosemary base (without sparkling water) can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Rosemary syrup keeps for up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar in the fridge. For a party, keep the base and sparkling water separate so guests can top off their drinks. You can also freeze the base (without bubbles) in ice cube trays to use later in water or smoothies.
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