Disclosure: There are no affiliate links in this post. Some future posts may contain affiliate links; when they do, we’ll say so clearly at the top of the post.
This cranberry rosemary mocktail is the drink we’d hand everyone as they come through the door at Christmas. It’s ruby red, sharp and sparkling, with the piney fragrance of rosemary and just enough sweetness from a homemade rosemary syrup (honey, or agave for a vegan version). There’s no refined sugar in it, and it takes five minutes once the syrup is in the fridge.
The trick is to use pure cranberry juice, not a sweetened ‘juice drink’. Its tartness is what makes the drink taste grown-up, and the syrup and lime bring it into balance. It’s one of our Christmas mocktails for grown-ups, and it scales up easily into a jug for a party.
Equipment
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Bar spoon
- Large wine glasses or highballs
- A glass jug, if you’re making it for a crowd
Not sure which glass to use? See our guide to mocktail glasses, or the home mocktail bar essentials.
Make the rosemary syrup first
You’ll need about 25 ml of our rosemary syrup per drink. It’s three ingredients (water, rosemary and honey or agave) and keeps in the fridge in small batches. If you haven’t got any, our honey syrup works too: add the rosemary as a garnish only.
Cranberry & Rosemary Sparkler
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a large wine glass or highball with ice.
- Add the cranberry juice, rosemary syrup and lime juice, then stir for a few seconds with a bar spoon.
- Taste and add a little more syrup if your cranberry juice is very sharp.
- Top with the sparkling water and give one gentle lift with the spoon to mix without losing the bubbles.
- Lightly slap the rosemary sprig between your palms to release its aroma, then add it to the glass with the cranberries.
Notes
Cranberry rosemary mocktail variations
- Jug for six: 360 ml cranberry juice, 130 ml rosemary syrup and 90 ml freshly squeezed lime juice in a jug, chilled. Pour over ice-filled glasses and top each with about 120 ml sparkling water as you serve.
- Orange instead of lime: Use 20 ml freshly squeezed orange juice for a softer, more festive flavour, and garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel (see how to dehydrate orange slices for drinks).
- Warm version: Gently warm the cranberry juice, syrup and 150 ml water with a strip of orange peel (don’t boil), then serve in heatproof glasses. Leave out the sparkling water.
- Stevia version: Skip the syrup and sweeten with a drop or two of liquid stevia, to taste. Stevia is much sweeter than honey, so start small. Add the rosemary sprig for aroma.
- Pomegranate twist: Swap half the cranberry juice for pomegranate juice (ideally freshly pressed; otherwise 100% pomegranate juice, not from concentrate, with no added sugar).
Serving and garnish tips
- Chill everything first: juice, syrup and sparkling water. Cold ingredients keep the bubbles lively.
- Slap the rosemary sprig between your palms before adding it, so it releases its aroma without any fuss.
- For a frosted look, freeze a few fresh cranberries and drop them in as edible ice.
- Serve it next to our warm spiced apple and rosemary punch or a creamy vegan alcohol-free eggnog for a choice of festive drinks.
Make-ahead and storage
Make the rosemary syrup up to a few days ahead and keep it in the fridge in a clean, sealed bottle (make small batches and use them up quickly). If you press your own cranberry juice, keep it chilled and use it straight away. Mix the cranberry, syrup and lime base up to a few hours ahead and chill it, but only add the sparkling water and ice when serving.
A note on botanicals: This recipe uses rosemary in everyday culinary amounts. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication, or have allergies or a health condition, check with your GP or pharmacist before using herbs or botanicals you’re unsure about, and avoid concentrated extracts or essential oils in drinks. Only use rosemary you can positively identify, and avoid sprigs from plants that may have been sprayed. Cranberry and warfarin: the NHS advises people taking warfarin not to have cranberry juice or cranberry products (see the NHS guide to warfarin), so offer those guests another drink. Honey is not suitable for babies under 12 months (see the NHS advice on foods to avoid giving babies and young children).
FAQ
What cranberry juice is best for mocktails?
Ideally your own cold-pressed cranberry juice. Otherwise choose organic pressed 100% cranberry juice, not from concentrate, with no added sugar or sweeteners. Avoid cartons labelled ‘cranberry juice drink’, which are usually sweetened. Pure cranberry juice is very tart, so balance it with rosemary syrup to taste.
Can I make a cranberry rosemary mocktail for a crowd?
Yes. Mix 360 ml cranberry juice, 130 ml rosemary syrup and 90 ml freshly squeezed lime juice in a jug and chill it. When your guests arrive, pour it over ice-filled glasses and top each one with about 120 ml sparkling water, so the bubbles stay fresh.
Can I make it without rosemary syrup?
You can. Use our honey syrup, maple syrup or agave syrup instead, about 20 ml per drink, then add a lightly slapped rosemary sprig to the glass for aroma. The rosemary flavour will be gentler. For a stronger herbal note, muddle a few rosemary needles with the syrup before adding the juice.
Is a cranberry and rosemary drink good for Christmas?
It’s one of the most festive alcohol-free drinks you can make. The deep red colour, the piney rosemary and the sparkle all feel celebratory, and it suits a Christmas table, a party or a quiet evening. It’s also quick to make, so you can pour one for everyone in minutes.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes. Gently warm the cranberry juice, rosemary syrup and about 150 ml water with a strip of orange peel, without letting it boil. Pour into heatproof glasses and garnish with rosemary. Leave out the sparkling water. Take care when serving hot drinks around children, and let it cool slightly first.
