If you’re dreaming of a cocktail that’s as vibrant as it is refreshing, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail. Lively clementine and lemon juices mingle with fragrant rosemary and botanical gin, kissed with sparkling water for a drink that feels equal parts celebration and sunshine in a glass!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Zesty Flavors: Clementine and lemon bring a citrusy punch that’s both sweet and energizing, perfectly balanced by the earthy rosemary.
- Effortlessly Impressive: With just a few fresh ingredients and zero fancy tools, you’ll wow your guests (or just yourself!) with minimal fuss.
- Customizable for Any Occasion: Whether you’re after a boozy brunch treat or a non-alcoholic refresher, the Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail adapts with ease.
- Aromatic Rosemary Infusion: Homemade rosemary syrup introduces a sophisticated herbal note that elevates every sip to cocktail-bar status.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cocktail comes together with just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients—and each one truly makes a difference! Every element layers in flavor, aroma, and color, so don’t be tempted to skip a thing.
- 2 Clementines: These gorgeous, juicy fruits deliver bright sweetness and bold color that set this spritz apart. Choose clementines that feel heavy for their size.
- 6 leaves Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary’s woodsy, herbal aroma brings such elegance and pairs perfectly with citrus and gin.
- 1 Lemon: The lemon’s tartness balances out the clementine’s sweetness and sharpens every sip.
- 2 ounces Rosemary Simple Syrup: This homemade syrup is easy to make and infuses the cocktail with a whisper of earthy, herby flavor. Don’t worry—it’s as simple as simmering and straining.
- 3 ounces Gin: Gin’s botanicals play beautifully with rosemary and citrus, but you can sub in vodka or tequila for your preferred twist.
- 0.5 cup (+ more for glasses) Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling the drink and giving it that refreshing “ahhhh” factor.
- 4 ounces Sparkling Water (such as Topo Chico): This adds fizz, lightness, and just a hint of minerality. Plain or citrus sparkling waters both work beautifully.
- Rosemary Simple Syrup Ingredients: 0.25 cup pure cane sugar, 0.25 cup water, 1 sprig fresh rosemary—these make the magic base for your cocktail’s herbal charm.
Variations
One of the things I adore most about the Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail is how easy it is to riff on! Whether you want to swap flavors, make it booze-free, or tweak for dietary needs, you’ll be mixing up your perfect spritz in no time.
- Switch the Spirit: Not a gin fan? Vodka or blanco tequila both let the citrus and rosemary shine while changing up the flavor backdrop.
- Zero Proof Option: Leave out the alcohol and serve with extra sparkling water and clementine juice for a festive mocktail everyone can enjoy.
- Change up the Citrus: Swap in blood oranges or pink grapefruit in place of clementines for a color and flavor twist that feels oh-so-sophisticated.
- Try Classic or Agave Syrup: If you don’t have time for rosemary syrup, use classic simple syrup or a splash of agave—still tasty and ultra-easy!
How to Make Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail
Step 1: Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the pure cane sugar, water, and fresh rosemary sprig. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves, then let it simmer for just a few minutes so the rosemary can infuse its heady fragrance. Remove the sprig, pour into a glass container, and let it cool completely. This is your flavor secret weapon!
Step 2: Muddle the Citrus & Rosemary
In your cocktail shaker (or a sturdy jar with a tight lid!), add the peeled clementines and rosemary leaves. Grab a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon and press gently to release all those glorious juices and infuse the rosemary essence. This step is all about building bright, layered flavors—take your time!
Step 3: Build & Shake the Cocktail
Next, squeeze the juice from your fresh lemon right into the shaker. Pour in the rosemary simple syrup, add the gin (or your spirit of choice), and toss in the ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake vigorously—this not only chills the mixture but works tiny air bubbles into the drink, making every sip feel silky and cloud-kissed!
Step 4: Pour, Top, & Garnish
Fill your serving glasses with ice and strain the cocktail mixture over top. Now here’s the spritz magic: top each glass with good, fizzy sparkling water and a fresh rosemary sprig for that signature “wow” factor. The result? A Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail
- Infusion Intensity: The longer you let the rosemary steep in the simple syrup, the more pronounced the herbal notes—taste and adjust to suit your palate!
- Quality Ice Matters: Use fresh, crystal-clear ice cubes for a cocktail that stays chilled without diluting the bright, zesty flavors too fast.
- Choose the Right Bubbly: Unsweetened, high-quality sparkling water (like Topo Chico) lifts the cocktail and lets those citrus and rosemary flavors shine through.
- Shaking Is Essential: Don’t skip the shake—this step creates a crisp, aerated spritz with a delightfully frothy finish you simply can’t get with stirring!
How to Serve Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail
Garnishes
A fresh rosemary sprig is my go-to garnish, not just for show but for the way it perfumes every sip. Add a wheel of clementine or a thin lemon slice on top for extra color and flair—bonus points if you give the rosemary a gentle smack before serving to release its oils!
Side Dishes
Citrus and rosemary flavors pair beautifully with light bites—think marinated olives, roasted almonds, citrusy seafood canapés, or a creamy goat cheese crostini. This cocktail is an appetizer party’s best friend!
Creative Ways to Present
This spritz is practically made for celebration! Serve in stemless wine glasses for a chic, casual vibe, or in delicate coupe glasses for an air of retro glamour. For parties, set up a DIY spritz station with bowls of citrus wheels and rosemary sprigs for your guests to garnish their own cocktails.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The key to making this spritz shine is freshness! If you end up with extra rosemary simple syrup, stash it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week and use as needed. Mixed cocktails should be consumed right away for the best fizz and flavor.
Freezing
This cocktail isn’t ideal for freezing, as the sparkling water will lose its bubbles and the citrus can turn a bit bitter. If you need to prep ahead, freeze only the rosemary simple syrup in ice cube trays for future quick cocktails!
Reheating
No reheating required—this Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail is all about bright, cold refreshment! If you’ve pre-mixed the citrus and syrup, simply chill well and shake with ice just before serving. Top with fresh bubbles every time for maximum sparkle.
FAQs
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Can I use oranges instead of clementines?
Absolutely! Regular oranges or even mandarins will work nicely—just taste for sweetness, as some varieties are more tart than clementines. Adjust the simple syrup to keep things balanced.
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What’s the best substitute for rosemary simple syrup?
No time for a homemade syrup? Use plain simple syrup or agave for sweetness, and add a few rosemary leaves to your shaker to infuse that signature herbal note. It’s quick and still delicious!
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How can I make a large batch of Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail?
Scale up each ingredient proportionally and mix the base (minus the sparkling water and ice) in a pitcher. Store in the fridge, then pour over ice and top with sparkling water just before serving for party-perfect spritzes every time.
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Is it possible to make this spritz alcohol-free?
Definitely! Just skip the gin and add extra citrus juice or sparkling water for a crowd-pleasing mocktail that brings the same gorgeous flavor without the booze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a drink that’s as beautiful and festive as it is effortless, you can’t go wrong with the Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail. Try it for your next get-together or cozy night in—every sip is pure joy, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy its bright, zesty magic!
Print
Citrus and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Blending
- Method: Blending
Description
A refreshing and sweet citrus and rosemary gin spritz cocktail, perfect for any season. Made with fresh clementines, rosemary, lemon, gin, and sparkling water, this cocktail is both vibrant and flavorful.
Ingredients
For Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- 0.25 cup Pure Cane Sugar
- 0.25 cup Water
- 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary
For Cocktail:
- 2 Clementines
- 6 leaves Fresh Rosemary
- 1 Lemon
- 2 ounces Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 3 ounces Gin
- 0.5 cup Ice Cubes (+ more for glasses)
- 4 ounces Sparkling Water (Topo Chico)
Instructions
- Make The Rosemary Simple Syrup: Add sugar, water, and rosemary sprig to a small saucepan, heat until sugar melts, simmer for a few minutes, then cool.
- Get A Cocktail Shaker: Muddle peeled clementines and rosemary in the shaker. Add lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup, gin, and ice. Shake well. Pour over ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with rosemary.
Notes
- Gin, vodka, or tequila can be used in this cocktail.
- Adjust gin amount to taste.
- No fancy tools needed; a jar with a lid works for shaking.
- Shaking the cocktail creates a different texture and appearance due to aeration.
- Top off with sparkling water for a perfect spritz.
- Share your creation on Instagram. Drink responsibly!
