Freshly Squeezed Fridays – Sparkling Cocktail

Sparkling Grapefruit Rosemary Cocktail
Courtesy of Kitchenthusiast, a Kitchenaid blog

Using citrus juices is a creative way to combine both sweet and bitter flavors, and they make our favorite cocktails useful in any season!

INGREDIENTS
For simple syrup
Makes 1/2 cup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon rosemary leaves
For sparkling grapefruit rosemary cocktail
Makes 2 servings (double or triple for a crowd)
A handful of peeled grapefruit (~1 tablespoon)
A sprig of rosemary
2 ounces vodka
1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
3-4 ice cubes
2 ounces simple rosemary syrup, more to taste
1 cup sparkling water

DIRECTIONS

For simple syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until syrup reduces to about 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and stir in the rosemary. Let steep in syrup for at least 20 minutes, or until cool. Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove rosemary leaves. Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to a week.

For sparkling grapefruit rosemary cocktail
In a tall glass, add the grapefruit and rosemary sprig. Muddle gently to break up grapefruit. Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, ice and simple rosemary syrup to the glass. Top off with sparkling water and stir. Add more simple rosemary syrup to taste. Enjoy immediately!

Note: for a mocktail, simply omit the vodka and add a few more tablespoons of the grapefruit juice.