Christmas Gin Cocktail Recipe
Nothing says holiday cheer like a Christmas gin cocktail. It’s got all the good stuff—warming spices, a pop of cranberry, and a hint of rosemary to keep things classy. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just toasting to the season solo, this drink is simple, refreshing, and guaranteed to bring a little sparkle to your glass.
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 56kcal
Ingredients
Rosemary & Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 cinnamon stick
Christmas Gin Cocktail
- ice cubes
- 1 shot dry gin
- 1 tablespoon Rosemary and Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice 4 tablespoons
- soda water or ginger beer to top up
Instructions
For the simple syrup:
- Add the brown sugar and water to a small pot on the stove over low heat, along with the rosemary and cinnamon stick.1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 1 cinnamon stick
- Stir the pot occasionally until the sugar is melted.
- Turn off the heat, and allow the simple syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a month (or until it begins to turn cloudy). I left my rosemary and cinnamon in the jar for a week to intensify the flavor.
For the Christmas Gin Cocktail:
- Begin by placing ice into a rocks glass. I like to use a large ice cube as it melts slower and doesn't water the drink down as much.ice cubes
- Pour in a single shot of gin.1 shot dry gin
- Add a tablespoon of rosemary and cinnamon brown sugar simple syrup.1 tablespoon Rosemary and Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Pour in the cranberry juice until the glass is half full.1/4 cup cranberry juice
- Top the gin mixture up the rest of the way with club soda (or ginger beer).soda water or ginger beer to top up
- Stir the ingredients in the glass with a spoon.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, fresh rosemary, and frozen cranberries for a festive finish, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh rosemary and real cranberries make a big difference.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less simple syrup to suit your taste.
- Make it stronger: Add an extra half-shot of gin if you want a bolder kick.
- Try different sodas: Swap club soda for tonic or prosecco for a bubbly twist.
- Stronger syrup flavor: For a more intense taste, add an extra sprig of fresh rosemary and a second cinnamon stick to the simple syrup. Let them sit in the jar for a week before using.
- Make-ahead: Simple syrup can be made ahead of time, even a day before serving. It keeps for a month in the fridge, so it’s a great prep-ahead option.
- Alcohol-free: Skip the gin for a zero-proof version. I highly recommend using fiery ginger beer instead of soda water—it gives the drink a bold, festive kick!
Storage instructions
- Simple syrup: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a month.
- Pre-mixed cocktail: If needed, mix in advance and store in the fridge, but add soda just before serving.
- Garnishes: Keep fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs refrigerated until use.
Nutrition
Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.01g | Saturated Fat: 0.002g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.1mg