Looking for a drink that actually feels like spring? The Rosemary Gin Lemonade Cocktail is a little herbal, a little zesty, and honestly, it’s just a perfect excuse to sit outside for a while.
All you need are four ingredients: gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a couple of rosemary sprigs.
The whole thing is a balance between gin’s botanical punch and that unmistakable rosemary aroma.
Lemon brings a tangy pop that just works, especially when the sun’s out. You can throw this together in under five minutes, so it’s just as good for a lazy solo afternoon as it is for a gathering with friends.
Rosemary Gin Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Muddler (or just use a wooden spoon)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Highball or collins glass
- Ice cube tray
- Small saucepan (for simple syrup)
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin London Dry style is great
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice about 1 medium lemon
- 3/4 oz rosemary simple syrup*
- 3 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Lemon wheel for garnish
*For rosemary simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 fresh rosemary sprigs about 4-5 inches each
Instructions
- Make rosemary simple syrup (do this ahead if you can): Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar’s dissolved. Toss in the rosemary sprigs, take it off the heat, and let it steep for about 30 minutes. Strain, cool it down, and stash any extra in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Prep your glass—just fill it up with ice cubes.
- In your shaker, drop in a rosemary sprig and give it a gentle muddle to release those oils.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup to the shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake it like you mean it for 15-20 seconds, until it’s nice and cold.
- Strain into your ice-filled glass.
- Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lemon wheel. That’s it.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This drink is just fun—bright, balanced, and honestly, kind of hard to put down.
The first sip? You’ll get that classic gin juniper, which sets a woody base. Then the rosemary comes in, almost piney and fresh.
Lemon gives it a tart snap, cutting through all the herbs. Sweetness sits in the background, just enough to round things out but not make it cloying.
Flavor Profile:
- First Note: Aromatic rosemary with a piney twist
- Middle Note: Sharp citrus zing
- Finish: Clean gin botanicals, a hint of sweetness
It’s crisp and super refreshing, especially if you use soda water. The ice chills it down and takes the edge off the gin without losing flavor.
Temperature really matters—when it’s cold, the rosemary pops and the lemon is extra clean.
Food-wise, it’s great with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini. Grilled seafood works, too. Or just pair it with a citrusy dessert if you’re feeling fancy.
The herbal quality lingers, but in a good way. Rosemary aroma keeps you coming back for another sip, honestly.
Substitute
If you’re missing rosemary, gin, or any of the usual ingredients for Rosemary Gin Lemonade, don’t worry too much. There are plenty of ways to mix things up.
Herb Substitutions:
- Try fresh thyme or basil instead of rosemary.
- Dried rosemary works too—just use about a third of what you’d use if it were fresh.
- Or maybe go for lavender if you want a floral vibe. Why not?
Spirit Options:
- Vodka gives a cleaner, more neutral flavor.
- White rum adds a bit of sweetness.
- Tequila? That’s for when you want something bold and punchy.
Sweetener Alternatives:
- Simple syrup is always easy.
- Honey syrup (just mix honey and hot water, equal parts) if you like a richer sweetness.
- Or agave nectar, which is a little lighter.
If you’d rather skip the booze, swap the gin for cucumber water, tonic, or sparkling water. Suddenly, it’s a mocktail.
Sometimes tossing in cucumber slices, berries, or even citrus peels gives the drink a whole new personality. You never really know until you try.
Store-bought lemonade is fine—just pick one that doesn’t taste fake or overly sweet. Real ingredients do make a difference, at least in my experience.
Substitutions can really change things up, so I’d suggest starting small and tasting as you go. No need to go overboard right away.
