Wow!  I’d better bust a move!  Christmas is literally around the corner and I still have a couple of cocktails to share with you.

This was a special one that I put together for the one year anniversary of the loss of our cat, Slater.  It was appropriate that it be sparkly and slightly fussy…because that was her.

If you like rosemary you will find this cocktail intriguing.  When you lift the glass to your lips that’s the scent that hits your nose.  Unexpected. Delightful.

I found the recipe over at The Flair Exchange.  I adapted it slightly because I had cranberry juice in the refrigerator, so didn’t want to buy cran-grape. While it was good with the cranberry I suspect it would be better with the cran-grape.  However, the cranberry juice gave it a beautiful color.

I made the rosemary simple syrup the night before and refrigerated it.  I love tiptoeing out onto the back patio in the driving rain and snipping rosemary off of my own bush.  I put one in a planter a couple of years ago and have managed not to kill it.  So nice to have rosemary on-demand.  If only I hadn’t killed the thyme…

I thought that 1 teaspoon sounded like a very small amount and was tempted to add more, but I’m glad I didn’t.  That simple syrup packs a wallop of rosemary flavor and I think it could be overwhelming in a bad way were you to add too much.

I made the first two in champagne flutes for photographic purposes.  But, really, four sips and it’s empty.  Right?  So, the second round I upgraded to festive holiday wine glasses.  That also allowed me to add more prosseco, which kind of rounded the flavors out.

This one screams festive and fa-la-la.  Enjoy!

Sparkling Rosemary

• Rosemary Simple Syrup
• Cranberry Juice
• Prosseco
• Vodka

To make the simple syrup:  in a medium saucepan combine 1 c sugar, 1 c water and a couple of sprigs of rosemary.  Cook over medium high heat until mixture comes to a slow boil and sugar is dissolved.  Store in refrigerator.

To make the drink:  in a shaker combine simple syrup, cranberry juice and prosseco.  Pour into festive glasses of your choice (if it’s a crowd I’d suggest flutes, if it’s you and yours home on a Friday or Saturday evening use larger wine glasses).  Top with prosseco and decorate with a couple of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.