I’m a fan of drinks that are easy to throw together but still feel a little special. The Rosemary Citrus Spritz Cocktail totally fits the bill.

This recipe blends fresh citrus and rosemary, creating a refreshing drink that’s simple enough for any get-together.

With just a handful of ingredients, I can mix up a light, bubbly cocktail that looks gorgeous and tastes even better. The herbal rosemary does something magical with the bright citrus—honestly, it’s perfect for warm days or just when you want to wind down.

If you’re after something quick that’ll impress guests and boost your mood, this one’s a winner. The ingredients are easy to find, and it all comes together in no time.

Rosemary Citrus Spritz Cocktail Recipe

I love combining fresh citrus with rosemary for a drink that’s both bright and refreshing. My process is pretty simple: use fresh ingredients, a couple of basic tools, and follow a few steps to get that crisp balance of sweet, tart, and herbal flavors.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces gin or vodka
3 sprigs fresh rosemary plus more for garnish
3 ounces sparkling water or club soda

Orange and lemon slices for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions

Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Add orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

Toss in two rosemary sprigs and gently muddle for about 20 seconds to release the rosemary oils.
Pour in gin or vodka, if using.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and combine everything.

Strain the liquid into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with sparkling water or club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig and slices of orange or lemon.

Notes

If I want my Rosemary Citrus Spritz a bit less sweet, I’ll cut the simple syrup in half or use a sugar-free version. Sometimes I let the rosemary sit in the shaker a touch longer for extra herbal vibes.

Swapping orange for grapefruit works if I’m in the mood for something tangier. It’s always best right after the sparkling water goes in—super fresh and lively.

Fresh juice always beats bottled, no question. And a rosemary sprig for garnish? It adds a little burst of aroma every time you sip.

If I’m making a batch for a party, I’ll prep the citrus mix ahead and just add ice and sparkling water when it’s time to serve.

Tasting Notes

The first sip of the Rosemary Citrus Spritz is crisp and super refreshing. Those gentle bubbles give it a nice, light feel.

The citrus hits right away—orange and lemon, bright but not overpowering. They blend together, making the drink lively and not too sharp.

Then there’s the rosemary. It’s subtle, kind of piney, and gives the drink an herbal kick without taking over.

The finish is earthy, and the sweetness is just enough. I taste the natural sugars from the juice with a little extra from the syrup, but it never gets cloying.

Flavor Highlights:

Fresh citrus (orange, lemon)
Herbal rosemary
Soft sweetness
Gentle bubbles

This cocktail’s easy to sip. Every ingredient gets a chance to shine, but they all work together in a way that just feels right.

Substitute

Sometimes, I just don’t have all the original ingredients for the Rosemary Citrus Spritz.

When that happens, these swaps usually save the day.

Ingredient Substitutes:

Rosemary: If I’m out, thyme or basil gives it a different herbal vibe.

Citrus juice (like lemon or orange): Lime or grapefruit juice is a nice twist.
Sparkling water: Club soda or tonic water does the trick, honestly.
Simple syrup: Honey syrup or agave syrup—either one keeps it sweet enough.

Alcohol Options:

Gin, vodka, or white rum all work here. If I’m skipping alcohol, I just leave out the spirit and pour in a bit more juice or sparkling water.

I usually play around with the measurements, depending on my mood and what substitutions I’m using.

Instructions with Substitutes:

First, I grab my substitute ingredients and whatever gear I need.

Then, I mix up the citrus juice and sweetener with my chosen spirit—or just skip the booze for a lighter version.
I toss in some ice and whatever herbs I’m using, and give it a good shake or stir.
Strain that into a glass packed with fresh ice.

Top it off with sparkling water, throw on a sprig of the substitute herb, and it’s ready to go.

Rosemary Citrus Spritz Cocktail Recipe