Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 large Cinnamon Sticks (roughly 7 cm/3 inches each)
  • 4 pods Star Anise
  • 1 tsp Whole Cloves
  • 9 fl oz London Dry Gin
  • 18 fl oz Pure Cranberry Juice (100% juice)
  • 3 fl oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 tsp Orange Bitters
  • Approx. 12 fl oz Chilled Sparkling Wine or Soda Water
  • Fresh Cranberries (for garnish)
  • 6 thin Orange Slices (for garnish)
  • 6 Rosemary Sprigs (for aromatic garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Simmer Ingredients: Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Infuse: Remove the pan from the heat and allow the spices to steep in the hot syrup for 20 minutes.
  3. Strain and Chill: Pour the finished syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the spices. Allow the syrup to cool completely in the refrigerator before using (at least 30 minutes).
  4. Combine Base Liquids: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the Gin, pure Cranberry Juice, fresh Lime Juice, and Orange Bitters.
  5. Add Syrup and Pre-Chill: Measure out 6 fl oz (180 ml) of the chilled Spiced Simple Syrup and stir it thoroughly into the cocktail base. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. Prepare Glasses and Add Fizz: Just before serving, fill your serving glasses with high-quality ice. Top the cocktail base with the chilled Sparkling Wine or Soda Water.
  7. Garnish: Place an orange slice, a few fresh cranberries, and one aromatic rosemary sprig into each glass. Serve immediately.