Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail for the Holidays

This Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail is a bright, aromatic, and elegant drink perfect for the holiday season. It beautifully combines the warmth of whiskey (or rum, gin, or vodka) with fragrant rosemary and zesty orange notes, creating a well-balanced and festive cocktail that feels both cozy and refreshing.

Hello everyone. Cheers to the weekend!

Today we’re stirring up a cocktail that captures the essence of the holidays – fragrant, golden, and full of cheer. Whether you’re hosting a party or just unwinding by the fire, this citrusy rosemary drink is sure to add sparkle to your evening. So, let’s dive into this Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail for the Holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail

• Seasonal Flavour Fusion: The blend of rosemary, orange zest, and honey offers a perfect mix of herbal and citrusy holiday flavours.
• Versatile: Works beautifully with whiskey, gin, rum, or vodka – whatever you have on hand.
• Quick to Make: The rosemary syrup comes together in minutes and adds sophistication to multiple cocktails.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Its vibrant colour and aromatic garnish make it a beautiful drink to serve at Christmas gatherings.

Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail: Flavour Profile

This cocktail balances sweetness and warmth, with the woodsy aroma of rosemary complementing the bright citrus flavour of orange. The honey in the syrup rounds everything off with smooth depth, while the whiskey (or other spirit) gives it that satisfying festive kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make this Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• Water and Sugar: Form the base of the rosemary syrup, creating a simple, sweet foundation that carries the herbal and citrus notes.
• Fresh Rosemary: Infuses the syrup with a fragrant, woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with orange and whiskey.
• Orange Zest and Juice: Add brightness, warmth, and that unmistakable festive citrus flavour.
• Honey: Enhances the sweetness while adding smooth depth and a natural floral touch.
• Whiskey (or Other Spirit): The base of the cocktail – you can also use rum, gin, or vodka for different flavour profiles.
• Orange Liqueur: Adds a luxurious, slightly bitter citrus layer that deepens the cocktail’s holiday character.
• Rosemary Syrup: The star element that ties everything together – start with half a part and adjust to your desired sweetness.
• Ice Cubes: Optional but recommended for a chilled, balanced finish.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Change the spirit: Try gin for a lighter herbal profile, rum for added warmth, or vodka for a cleaner citrus-forward flavour.
• Merry Berry: Make a cranberry-rosemary infused syrup.
• Add bubbles: Top with a splash of sparkling water or prosecco for a festive, effervescent version.

More Festive Cocktail Ideas

Are you looking for more fun cocktail recipes like this Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail? Be sure to check out more festive drinks and desserts below:

• Festive Mulled Orange Brandy for Holidays
• Festive Spruce Cocktail for the Holidays
• Festive Cranberry and Rosemary Cocktail
• Creamy White Christmas Cocktail with Vanilla
• Festive Cranberry Orange Brandy Cocktail

I’d love for you to try this Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail for the Holidays. If you give the recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

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Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail for the Holidays

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Holiday Drinks, Cocktails

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Syrup (cooking and chilling)

45

minutes

Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail for the Holidays blends whiskey, orange liqueur, and homemade rosemary syrup for a perfect holiday drink.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• Rosemary Syrup:

• 1/3 cup water

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1-2 tbsp. honey

• 2-3 small rosemary sprigs

• 1 tbsp. orange zest

• 1tbsp. orange juice (optional)

• Cocktail:

• 1 part whiskey (or rum, gin or vodka)

• 1 part orange liquor

• 1/2 to 1 part of rosemary syrup

• few ice cubes, optional

Directions

• For the syrup, combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil then simmer 2-3 minutes. Cool for about 30-40 minutes letting the aromatics to infuse the syrup then discard the rosemary and orange zest. This syrup will be enough for 6-8 cocktails. You can reduce the amount or utilize it for other recipes (Like syrup for pancakes, etc.)
• For the cocktail, in the shaker combine one part of strong alcohol (I used whiskey), one part of orange liquor, 1/2 to 1 part of the syrup (Start with 1/2 and then adjust because one part would result in a sweeter version), and ice if using. Shake for 30-40 seconds then filter and discard the ice. Enjoy!