Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (200g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh orange zest
  • 4 cups (950ml) chilled sparkling water
  • 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 cups (475ml) ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup (50g) fresh cranberries for garnish
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
  • 10 fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of cranberries, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the cranberry skins begin to pop. Use a wooden spoon to lightly press the berries against the side of the pot to release pigments.
  3. Remove from heat and pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-proof glass pitcher. Discard the solids and let the ruby-red syrup cool for at least 5 minutes to thicken.
  4. Once cooled, stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice.
  5. Just before serving, pour in the chilled sparkling water and stir gently to maintain carbonation.
  6. Add ice cubes to the pitcher or individual glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange rounds, and rosemary sprigs.