Cranberry and Rosemary Spritz Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always loved making spritzes—there’s just something about how light and easy they feel, no matter the season. A cranberry and rosemary spritz? That’s where things get a little more interesting, with tart fruit and those herbal, piney notes mingling together.

This cocktail is honestly one of the simplest ways to serve something that looks festive and tastes crisp, without turning your kitchen into a science lab.

When I mix this drink, I notice the cranberry gives it a real pop, bright and bold, while the rosemary sneaks in with that earthy, almost woodsy touch. The bubbles, of course, make it lively, and the color is just gorgeous on a table.

It’s a drink that somehow feels special but won’t keep you away from your guests for long.

You’ll see how to pull together this cranberry and rosemary spritz, step by step. I’ll walk you through the ingredients and the quick instructions for mixing it up.

Cranberry And Rosemary Spritz Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this cocktail is how the sharp cranberry and fresh, piney rosemary balance each other out. There’s sparkling water, a bit of citrus, and those herbal notes—refreshing but not fussy, so you can easily make it at home.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use this for mixing the juice, syrup, and citrus before adding bubbles.
• Bar spoon – Handy for stirring things together gently, so you don’t lose all that fizz.
• Muddler – Just a quick press on the rosemary sprigs brings out their oils.
• Strainer – Keeps ice chips and rogue herbs out of the glass.
• Measuring jigger – Helps me keep the juice, syrup, and liquor balanced.
• Highball or stemmed glass – Tall glasses really show off the color here.
• Small knife and cutting board – I slice up lemon or lime wedges for garnish.
• Ice cube tray – I’ll go for larger cubes, since they keep things cold without watering it down too fast.

I like to have all these tools within arm’s reach before I start. Makes everything smoother and way less stressful.

Ingredients

• 2 oz cranberry juice (I usually grab unsweetened for more bite, but sweetened works if you want it mellow)
• 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, cooled down)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (or lime juice, if you’re after something a bit softer)
• 2 oz sparkling water or club soda (for fizz, not sweetness)
• 1 rosemary sprig (definitely fresh, not dried—it’s all about the aroma)
• Fresh cranberries (totally optional, but they look great)
• Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)

Fresh juice is worth the tiny bit of extra effort. It just makes everything taste brighter, trust me.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
• Shake it gently for about 10 seconds, just enough to chill and mix.
• Strain into a highball glass packed with fresh ice.
• Top with sparkling water or club soda.
• Stir lightly with a bar spoon—don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the fizz.
• Give the rosemary sprig a quick clap between your hands to wake up the oils, then drop it in the glass.
• Toss in a few cranberries or a lemon wedge for garnish.

I always sneak a taste before serving and tweak the syrup or citrus if I feel like it’s needed.

Notes

Unsweetened cranberry juice gives the drink a clean, tart kick that I really like. If it’s a bit much, I just add a touch more simple syrup.

Both sparkling water and club soda work, but club soda’s hint of minerality actually plays nicely with the rosemary.

Fresh rosemary is a must. Dried just doesn’t cut it. Sometimes I even rub the sprig around the rim of the glass before serving—makes the aroma pop.

If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll cut the syrup in half. Want more citrus? A splash of lime juice alongside the lemon does the trick.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? Honestly, it’s crisp and really refreshing. The cranberry brings this tart edge that somehow just works with the gentle sweetness from the sparkling base.

It’s got those wintery flavors—bright, clean, almost like a chilly afternoon. The rosemary is interesting; there’s this herbal note that sort of hangs out in the background.

I pick up a subtle pine-like vibe, which makes the drink feel a bit more seasonal and grounding. It doesn’t try to steal the show, but instead, sort of lifts the cranberry with a fresh, savory twist.

When it’s properly chilled, the bubbles carry the flavors in such a smooth way across my palate. The texture stays light, easy to sip, and honestly, I find myself wanting to take my time with it.

Effervescence keeps the cranberry from getting too heavy, which I really appreciate. I also can’t help but notice how much the aroma adds here.

Before I even take a sip, the rosemary sprig is already giving off this fragrant scent. That little touch just makes the cocktail feel more put together, more engaging somehow.

Flavor highlights I pick up:

• Tart cranberry with a bright finish
• Herbal rosemary that adds depth
• Sparkling texture that feels crisp
• Seasonal balance that fits cooler months