Harvest some rosemary from your Rise Garden and whip up this festive cocktail for a fun holiday happy hour.
Christmas Cranberry Spritzer
Makes one drink
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 2 tsp rosemary simple syrup (see below)
- Top with ginger ale or sparkling water
Directions
Step One: Combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and simple syrup to a rocks glass and stir.
Step Two: Add ice and top with soda water or sparkling water.
Bonus: How to Make Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary sprigs (you can start your own from seed pods right in your indoor garden)
Directions
In a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar and rosemary to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat and let it steep for 30 minutes — steeping is the process of soaking an ingredient in liquid to extract its flavor and aroma compounds. Strain the syrup and discard the rosemary. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container for 2 days. According to the USDA, fresh herbs like rosemary retain significantly more of their volatile aromatic oils when harvested and used immediately, which is one reason growing your own indoors makes such a noticeable difference in flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow herbs for a Christmas Cranberry Spritzer in Rise Garden?
Absolutely — fresh mint and rosemary are two of the most popular garnishes for holiday cranberry drinks, and both grow readily in a Rise Garden year-round. Hydroponics — a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in water — makes it possible to harvest fresh rosemary in as little as 21–28 days from seedling stage. A sprig of fresh rosemary from your garden adds a festive, pine-like aroma that perfectly evokes the holiday season. Having these herbs growing indoors in December ensures you always have a fresh, beautiful garnish ready for entertaining.
How do I make a Christmas Cranberry Spritzer?
Combine cranberry juice, a splash of orange juice, and sparkling water or ginger beer over ice, then garnish with fresh rosemary or mint from your Rise Garden and a few whole cranberries. For an alcoholic version, add a shot of vodka, prosecco, or the KOVAL spirit of your choice. The key to a great spritzer is balancing the tartness of the cranberry with enough sweetness and carbonation to make it festive and refreshing. Research from Cornell University's CEA program notes that hydroponically grown herbs can contain up to 50% more vitamins and flavor-contributing compounds than their store-bought counterparts — a compelling reason to use fresh-grown garnishes in your holiday drinks.
What makes cranberry juice a popular holiday cocktail ingredient?
Cranberry juice's deep ruby-red color is visually festive and pairs beautifully with green herb garnishes, making it a natural choice for holiday drinks. Its tart, slightly bitter flavor balances well against sweeter liqueurs, sparkling wine, and citrus, giving bartenders a versatile base. Cranberries are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, adding a small nutritional benefit to your celebratory sip.
How can I make a sugar rim for a holiday cranberry cocktail?
Run a lemon or orange wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into a shallow dish of granulated sugar — or a mix of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon or dried citrus zest for a festive touch. Colored sanding sugars in red or green are also a fun, decorative option for holiday party drinks. Let the rim dry for a minute before carefully pouring your cranberry spritzer so the sugar crust stays intact.
