Sparkling rosemary ginger lemonade is a refreshing cocktail or mocktail for summer! Fresh squeezed ginger and lemons are mixed with a rosemary infused syrup for a drink with a spicy kick!
1tablespoonrosemary simple syrup,plus more to taste as needed
2tablespoonsfresh squeezed lemon juice
1 ½ounces(3 tbsps) gin,**optional
ice cubes
½cupsparkling water
rosemaryfor garnish, optional
lemon slicesfor garnish, optional
Instructions
Rosemary Simple Syrup:
Combine agave and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat, add the rosemary sprigs, and simmer for one minute. Turn off the heat and allow to steep for a minimum of 1 hour. The longer you let the rosemary steep, the stronger the flavor will be. Allow to cool before adding to the lemonade.
Ginger Lemonade:
Wash and dry the ginger, but there is no need to peel it. Using a microplane style grater or a grater with small holes, grate the ginger onto a cutting board. Depending on how fresh your ginger is, you’ll need about ½ inch (1.25 cm) of fresh ginger to get one teaspoon of juice.
Scoop up the ginger and put it in a wire strainer over a bowl or small measuring cup. Using your fingertips, squeeze the grated ginger through the mesh strainer and into the measuring cup. Press down on the ginger to get every last bit of juice out. Discard the ginger pulp. (See pictures above in the body of the post for more detail.)
In a glass, stir together 1 teaspoon ginger juice, the rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and gin, if using. Add ice and then top with sparkling water. Stir again, garnish with lemon wedges and rosemary if desired, and enjoy! This drink has just a touch of sweetness, so if you’d like it sweeter add more rosemary syrup as desired.
Notes
*Rosemary Simple Syrup - This makes more syrup than you need for one drink. If not using right away, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.**Nutrition Facts are calculated using the gin. If you are not using the gin, calories are reduced to 40 calories per serving.To make a pitcher of lemonade for 4 peopleuse: ¼ cup rosemary syrup, ½ cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon plus one 1 teaspoon ginger juice, 2 cups sparkling water and ¾ cup gin, if using.