Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (150 g) Granulated Sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) Water
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
  • 3 whole pods Star Anise
  • 1 large Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 fl oz (60 ml) Good Quality Gin (per serving)
  • 1 fl oz (30 ml) Unsweetened Cranberry Juice (per serving)
  • 1/2 fl oz (15 ml) Fresh Lime Juice (per serving)
  • 3/4 fl oz (20–25 ml) Chilled Spiced Cranberry Syrup (per serving)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish)
  • Orange Peel (for garnish)
  • Sugar and Flaky Salt (optional, for rim)

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cranberries, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and allow the syrup to simmer for 5 minutes, gently pressing the cranberries against the side of the pan to release their colour and flavor.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat. Allow the spices and cranberries to steep for 20 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container, discarding the solids. Place the syrup in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly (minimum 30 minutes).
  4. Place the four martini or coupe glasses in the freezer to chill completely. If desired, wet the rim of the chilled glasses with a lime wedge and dip gently into the sugar/salt mixture.
  5. Add the following ingredients to the cocktail shaker: Gin (2 oz), unsweetened cranberry juice (1 oz), fresh lime juice (1/2 oz), and the chilled spiced syrup (3/4 oz).
  6. Fill the shaker 2/3 full with quality ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold. Double-strain the mixture (using both the shaker’s strainer and a fine-mesh sieve) into the prepared chilled glass.
  7. Take a wide strip of orange peel. Hold it over the finished cocktail and give it a firm twist to express the essential oils onto the drink’s surface. Run the peel around the rim of the glass before discarding it or dropping it in.
  8. Tuck a small sprig of fresh rosemary into the side of the glass to add a fragrant, pine-like aroma. Serve immediately.