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Lemon Rosemary Spritzer: A Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

A refreshing Lemon Rosemary Spritzer, perfect for any occasion. Made with homemade rosemary simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water, this drink is both elegant and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 68 lemons)
  • 4 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda
  • Lemon slices, for garnish
  • Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
  2. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs to the saucepan.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  4. Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat slightly if needed to prevent it from boiling over. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rosemary steep in the syrup for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a stronger rosemary flavor.
  6. After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container. Discard the rosemary sprigs.
  7. Allow the rosemary simple syrup to cool completely before using it in the spritzer. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  8. Select lemons that are firm, heavy for their size, and have smooth, thin skin.
  9. Before juicing, roll the lemons firmly on a countertop or cutting board.
  10. Use a citrus juicer (either a handheld reamer or an electric juicer) to extract the juice from the lemons. Be sure to remove any seeds that may fall into the juice.
  11. If you prefer a smoother spritzer, you can strain the lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
  12. Measure out 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. This is approximately the juice from 6-8 lemons, depending on their size and juiciness.
  13. In a pitcher, combine the cooled rosemary simple syrup and the fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
  14. Slowly pour in the chilled sparkling water or club soda. The amount you use will depend on how bubbly you like your spritzer. Start with 4 cups and add more if needed.
  15. Taste the spritzer and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed. If it’s too tart, add a little more rosemary simple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lemon juice.
  16. If you’re not serving the spritzer immediately, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  17. Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the Lemon Rosemary Spritzer over the ice.
  18. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Notes

  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of rosemary simple syrup and lemon juice to your taste preference.
  • For a stronger rosemary flavor, steep the rosemary in the simple syrup for a longer period.
  • Experiment with different herbs, fruits, or flavored sparkling waters for variations.
  • For an adult version, add a shot of vodka, gin, or rum to each glass.
  • The rosemary simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.