Gin & Rosemary Thanksgiving Spritz 🍃 – Light Herbal Twist for a Refreshing Holiday Cocktail
A light, herbaceous cocktail perfect for Thanksgiving - this gin spritz combines rosemary-infused syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie holiday drink. Serve chilled with a fresh rosemary garnish.
Looking for a Thanksgiving cocktail that's both festive and refreshing? This Gin & Rosemary Spritz is the perfect solution. With its bright herbal notes and crisp effervescence, it's a low-calorie alternative to heavier holiday cocktails. The rosemary-infused simple syrup adds a sophisticated botanical twist while keeping things light and refreshing. Whether you're hosting a large dinner or intimate gathering, this easy-to-make cocktail will elevate your Thanksgiving spread with its elegant, seasonal flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (preferably a dry, botanical-forward brand)
- 1 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (recipe below)
- 3 oz sparkling water or club soda
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the rosemary-infused simple syrup by combining 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4-5 fresh rosemary sprigs in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool completely before using.
- Step 2: In a tall glass filled with ice, add the gin and rosemary syrup. Top with sparkling water and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and serve immediately. For extra flair, rim the glass with a thin layer of rosemary-infused sugar before adding ice.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Preparation
This cocktail requires minimal effort - just 3 minutes of prep time and no cooking. The rosemary syrup can be made ahead and stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
💰 Cost-Effective
Using common pantry staples like sugar and water makes this a budget-friendly cocktail option. A single batch of rosemary syrup makes 4-6 drinks.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
The rosemary adds a sophisticated herbal note that appeals to both cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers. It pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving's rich flavors.
🌟 Seasonal Sophistication
Rosemary's piney aroma and the sparkling effervescence create a festive, holiday-ready drink that feels special without being complicated.
Gin & Rosemary Thanksgiving Spritz
A refreshing, herbaceous cocktail perfect for holiday entertaining
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 oz gin
- - 1 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup
- - 3 oz sparkling water
- - ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- - Ice cubes
- - Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Rosemary Syrup: Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4-5 fresh rosemary sprigs in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool completely before using.
💡 Tip: For extra potency, let the syrup steep for 2-3 hours at room temperature before straining.
Build the Cocktail: In a tall glass filled with ice, add the gin and rosemary syrup. Top with sparkling water and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
💡 Tip: Use a long-handled bar spoon for better mixing without over-diluting the drink.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and serve immediately. For extra flair, rim the glass with a thin layer of rosemary-infused sugar before adding ice.
💡 Tip: Add a lemon twist for an aromatic garnish that complements the rosemary.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Rosemary
This aromatic herb is the star of the show, adding a piney, slightly floral note that cuts through the gin's botanicals. Use fresh sprigs for the best flavor.
Substitutions: Thyme or lemon verbena can be used for a different herbal profile. Lavender would create a more floral twist.
Gin
Choose a dry gin with prominent botanical notes like citrus, juniper, and coriander. A London dry gin works well for balance.
Substitutions: Vodka can be used for a non-herbaceous base, but the rosemary will be more dominant.
Sparkling Water
This adds effervescence and lightness to the cocktail. Use a premium brand for the best mouthfeel.
Substitutions: Prosecco or champagne can be used for extra luxury.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the syrup's sweetness. Avoid bottled juice for optimal flavor.
Substitutions: Lime juice can be used for a more tropical twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Gin & Rosemary Spritz
🍋 Flavor Balancing
Taste the cocktail as you build it. Adjust the ratio of syrup to lemon juice to suit your palate - typically 1:1 is ideal.
🧊 Chilling Techniques
For extra cold cocktails, chill the glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembling. This prevents condensation and dilution.
🌿 Garnish Creativity
Try adding a lemon wheel or orange twist alongside the rosemary for added visual appeal and aromatic release.
✨ Presentation Tips
Serve in clear glassware to showcase the beautiful color. Use a cocktail pick to secure the rosemary garnish.
Variations & Customizations
Herb Swap
Try substituting rosemary with thyme, lemon balm, or mint for different flavor profiles. Each herb interacts uniquely with the gin's botanicals.
Citrus Twist
Use orange or grapefruit juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note. Adjust sweetener accordingly.
Non-Alcoholic Version
Omit the gin and use a non-alcoholic spirit base. The rosemary syrup and sparkling water create a delicious mocktail on their own.
Seasonal Adjustments
In winter, add a splash of cranberry juice for a festive twist. In spring, try adding fresh basil or mint.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey - the rosemary complements the herbs in the stuffing
- Butternut squash soup - the herbal notes pair beautifully with the earthy squash
- Apple pie - the lemon-citrus element balances the pie's sweetness
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light rosé for a non-alcoholic alternative. For dessert, a sparkling dessert wine complements the rosemary's herbal notes.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
The rosemary-infused simple syrup can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cocktail itself should be made fresh to maintain carbonation.
Refrigerator Storage
The syrup will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If you need to store the cocktail, it's best served immediately for optimal effervescence, but can be kept for up to 2 hours if chilled in a sealed container.
Freezer Storage
Do not freeze the cocktail itself as it will lose carbonation. The syrup can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
This is a chilled cocktail and should not be reheated. If the syrup is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cocktail tastes too sweet
A: Adjust the syrup-to-liquid ratio. Try reducing the syrup to ½ oz and increasing the sparkling water to 3½ oz for a lighter flavor.
Q: How can I make this more festive?
A: Add a slice of candied ginger or a star anise garnish for extra holiday cheer. Use a red or gold rim on the glass for visual impact.
Q: Can I use artificial sweetener?
A: Yes, but the natural sugar in the syrup helps balance the flavors better. If using a sugar substitute, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
Q: What if I don't have rosemary?
A: Substitute with 1 tsp dried rosemary, or use thyme or lemon balm. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Gin & Rosemary Spritz is the perfect holiday cocktail that's both elegant and easy to make. The rosemary adds a festive, aromatic quality that complements Thanksgiving's rich flavors without overpowering them. With its light, refreshing profile, it's an excellent alternative to heavier holiday cocktails recipes. Whether you're hosting a large dinner or intimate gathering, this cocktail will impress your guests with its sophisticated flavor and beautiful presentation. Try it with your Thanksgiving meal and you'll wonder why you didn't make it sooner!
For best Pinterest visibility, post this cocktail pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first (like our Turkey & Rosemary Stuffing), followed by complementary sides (Butternut Squash Soup), finishing with a dessert completion pin (Apple Cider Pie).
