Rosemary Lemon Spritzer

Light and elegant, this cocktail is a refreshing choice for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lemon

1/2 C sugar

5 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish

1 L bottle sparkling water

4 oz ouzo or gin (optional)

Method

Zest the lemon. Cut four slices out of the middle of the lemon and reserve for garnish. Squeeze out the juice and set aside.

In a small pan over medium-high heat, stir together the sugar with a half cup water until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, and add the rosemary sprigs and lemon zest.

Let cool to room temperature, strain into a clean jar, and refrigerate until ready to use, or up to two weeks.

Fill four glasses with ice. Fill each glass three-quarters of the way up with sparkling water. Add splash of lemon juice and two tablespoons of the flavored syrup. Top with ouzo or gin, if using.

Garnish with a lemon slice and a small sprig of rosemary.

For an alcohol-free cocktail that’s still full of flavour use Cedars Non-alcoholic Gin. Available at Kent Street Market in the Confederation Court Mall.