Rosemary Lemon Collins Cocktail Recipe Guide

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Rosemary Lemon Collins

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Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, muddler, small pot, stirring spoon, jigger, glass

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz gin or vodka for a lighter option
• ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ oz rosemary simple syrup recipe below
• Club soda to top
• Ice
• Fresh rosemary sprig and lemon slice for garnish
• For Rosemary Simple Syrup:
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

 

• Method:
• Step 1: Prepare the Rosemary Simple Syrup
• In a small pot, combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar.
• Add 2-3 rosemary sprigs, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
• Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Once the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 5 minutes.
• Strain the syrup to remove the rosemary sprigs. Store in an airtight container; it’ll last for up to two weeks in the fridge.
• Step 2: Muddle Rosemary and Lemon
• In a cocktail shaker, muddle a small rosemary sprig with lemon juice to release the fragrant oils.
• Add ice to the shaker.
• Step 3: Add Gin and Simple Syrup
• Pour in 2 oz of gin (or vodka if preferred) and ½ oz of rosemary simple syrup.
• Shake well for about 10–15 seconds to chill and combine.
• Step 4: Strain and Serve
• Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with club soda, stirring gently.
• Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
• Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of lemon for that extra touch.
• Variations & Substitutions:
• Alcohol-Free Option: Replace the gin with Seedlip or another non-alcoholic spirit. You could also use a splash of lemonade for a light, zesty drink.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute the sugar in the simple syrup with a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Herb Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of rosemary, thyme or basil make for excellent alternatives, giving the cocktail a fresh herbal twist.
• Dietary Tip for Vegans: Most store-bought sugar is vegan, but be sure to double-check. Alternatively, you can use a vegan-friendly sweetener like agave nectar in place of sugar in the syrup.
• Lemon Variations: You can also use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less tangy flavor or mix in lime juice for a citrus blend.

Let me show you how I make the Rosemary Lemon Collins, a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins. This cocktail blends zesty lemon with fragrant rosemary, creating a drink that’s both light and invigorating. Based on my overall experience, it’s perfect for warm weather or paired with light, summery dishes like grilled fish or a crisp salad.

Below, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, tips, and variations for this cocktail, making it simple even for beginners. Plus, I’ll share some troubleshooting advice and dietary substitutions to suit your needs.

Notes on What to Expect:

From my own personal experience, the Rosemary Lemon Collins is incredibly refreshing and versatile. The rosemary brings a lovely herbal complexity that elevates the drink without overpowering the classic lemon and gin combination. The balance of sweetness and tartness makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a summer party or just relaxing on your patio.

Quick Meal Facts:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for simple syrup)
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (cooling syrup)
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: ~160 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate ($5–$7 per drink)
• Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, muddler, small pot, stirring spoon, jigger, glass
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful #Rosemary Lemon Collins  now.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin (or vodka for a lighter option)
• ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ oz rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)
• Club soda (to top)
• Ice
• Fresh rosemary sprig and lemon slice (for garnish)

For Rosemary Simple Syrup:

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful #Rosemary Lemon Collins  now.

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Rosemary Simple Syrup

1. In a small pot, combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar.
2. Add 2-3 rosemary sprigs, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Once the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 5 minutes.
5. Strain the syrup to remove the rosemary sprigs. Store in an airtight container; it’ll last for up to two weeks in the fridge.

Step 2: Muddle Rosemary and Lemon

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle a small rosemary sprig with lemon juice to release the fragrant oils.
2. Add ice to the shaker.

Step 3: Add Gin and Simple Syrup

1. Pour in 2 oz of gin (or vodka if preferred) and ½ oz of rosemary simple syrup.
2. Shake well for about 10–15 seconds to chill and combine.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

1. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
2. Top with club soda, stirring gently.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

1. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of lemon for that extra touch.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Alcohol-Free Option: Replace the gin with Seedlip or another non-alcoholic spirit. You could also use a splash of lemonade for a light, zesty drink.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute the sugar in the simple syrup with a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Herb Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of rosemary, thyme or basil make for excellent alternatives, giving the cocktail a fresh herbal twist.
• Dietary Tip for Vegans: Most store-bought sugar is vegan, but be sure to double-check. Alternatively, you can use a vegan-friendly sweetener like agave nectar in place of sugar in the syrup.
• Lemon Variations: You can also use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less tangy flavor or mix in lime juice for a citrus blend.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful #Rosemary Lemon Collins  now.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~160
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Alcohol Content: Varies (Gin typically has 40% ABV)

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Too Sweet? Add more club soda to balance the sweetness, or decrease the amount of simple syrup next time.
• Not Fragrant Enough? Muddle the rosemary more aggressively or let the rosemary sit in the simple syrup for longer to infuse more flavor.
• Too Strong? If the gin is too overpowering, cut back on the gin and add a bit more soda water or lemon juice to mellow the drink.
• Cloudy Drink? Be sure to strain well when shaking and double-check that you’ve removed any small bits of rosemary.

Pro Tip: This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light appetizers, especially dishes like bruschetta, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Its herbal notes can even complement grilled chicken or Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

With this recipe, you’re all set to make an impressive Rosemary Lemon Collins at home. Whether you’re sticking with the classic recipe or trying out one of the variations, this cocktail is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!