Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340 g) Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Water (Filtered preferred)
  • 1 cup (200 g) Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
  • 1 inch piece (2.5 cm) Fresh Ginger, Roughly sliced
  • 2 large whole Cinnamon Sticks
  • 3 whole pods Star Anise
  • 1 pinch of Salt
  • 5 oz (45 ml) Premium Gin (or quality Vodka) per drink
  • 75 oz (22 ml) Fresh Lime Juice per drink
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Spiced Cranberry Syrup (chilled) per drink
  • Chilled Soda Water (or Prosecco/Cava), for topping
  • Ice
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (for Garnish)
  • Extra Fresh Cranberries (for floating, for Garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the cranberries, water, sugar, ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and salt into a medium saucepan.
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, ensuring it maintains a gentle simmer.
  3. Macerate: Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the liquid has thickened slightly. The syrup should look rich and deep red.
  4. Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and allow the spices to steep for an additional 10 minutes to intensify the flavour.
  5. Strain and Cool: Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, airtight container, pressing gently on the solids. Allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.
  6. Chill Glasses: Ensure all serving glasses (Highball or Coupe) are thoroughly chilled before assembly.
  7. Measure Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, combine the Gin (or Vodka), the Spiced Cranberry Syrup, and the fresh Lime Juice.
  8. Add Ice and Shake: Fill the shaker 3/4 full with solid ice cubes. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosted, ensuring maximum chill and proper dilution.
  9. Strain and Top: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass over fresh ice (if using a highball). Top the drink with a generous splash of chilled soda water or Prosecco to create the fizz.
  10. Garnish: Gently clap a small rosemary sprig between your palms to release the oils, then place it into the drink. Add a few floating cranberries or a lime wedge. Serve immediately.