Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Water
- 1 cup (200 g) Granulated Sugar
- 1 inch piece (2.5 cm piece) Fresh Ginger, sliced thinly, do not peel
- 2 sticks Cinnamon
- 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary, gently bruised
- 12 fl oz (355 ml) Quality London Dry Gin (or spirit of choice)
- 8 fl oz (240 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
- 6 fl oz (180 ml) Cranberry Juice (unsweetened)
- Entire batch Spiced Simple Syrup (cooled and strained)
- Approx 24 fl oz (700 ml) Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne (well-chilled)
- 1 cup (150 g) Fresh Cranberries (For garnish)
- 8 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (For garnish)
- Ice, quality, solid cubes
Instructions:
- Phase 1: Preparing the Spiced Simple Syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove immediately once simmering starts.
- Steep and Infuse: Cover the pan and let the mixture steep for a minimum of 60 minutes to allow the spices to infuse deeply.
- Strain and Cool: Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jug, ensuring all solids are removed. Cool the syrup completely in the refrigerator (about 30–45 minutes).
- Phase 2: Batching the Cocktail Base. In a large mixing jug or container, combine the Gin, fresh Lime Juice, and Cranberry Juice.
- Add Syrup: Once the Spiced Simple Syrup is thoroughly chilled, pour the entire batch into the mixing jug. Stir well until evenly incorporated.
- Chill Base: Seal the batch base and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavours to marry.
- Phase 3: Serving. Fill your chosen cocktail glasses (highball or coupe are recommended) with fresh, solid ice cubes.
- Pour Base: Pour 4 fl oz (120 ml) of the prepared chilled cocktail base into each glass.
- Top with Fizz: Top each serving immediately with approximately 3 fl oz (90 ml) of chilled Prosecco or Sparkling Wine.
- Garnish: Thread 3–4 fresh cranberries onto a small cocktail stick and rest it across the rim. Gently slap a small rosemary sprig between your palms to release its scent, and tuck it into the glass. Serve immediately.