Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz: A Herbaceous and Citrusy Delight

The Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz is a sophisticated yet refreshing cocktail that combines the bright, zesty flavors of fresh orange juice with the herbaceous notes of rosemary and the smooth botanicals of gin. Topped with a splash of fizzy soda water, this drink is perfect for sipping on warm afternoons, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a cocktail with both depth and refreshing sparkle.

The earthy rosemary plays beautifully with the sweet citrus, creating a cocktail that’s both vibrant and nuanced. With its fragrant garnish and stunning golden-orange color, the Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz is a drink that not only tastes incredible but also makes a statement at any gathering.

Quick Facts: Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz

Method: Shaken
Flavor profile: Citrus-forward, herbal, lightly effervescent
How to serve it: Over ice
Glassware: Highball or Collins glass
Alcohol content: ~ 10-12% ABV, depending on gin and dilution

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Ingredients

This cocktail requires fresh, high-quality ingredients to fully appreciate its crisp and herbaceous notes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz Gin (Opt for a gin with herbal or citrus-forward botanicals, like Hendrick’s or Tanqueray)
• 2 oz Fresh orange juice (Freshly squeezed is best for bright, natural sweetness)
• ½ oz Fresh lemon juice (To add balance and a touch of acidity)
• ½ oz Simple syrup (Adjust sweetness to taste, or use honey syrup for added complexity)
• Soda water (For that essential fizz)
• 1 sprig Fresh rosemary (For muddling and garnish)
• Orange wheel or twist (For garnish)
• Ice (For serving)

Ingredient Notes:
Fresh ingredients are key in this cocktail. Freshly squeezed orange juice delivers the best, natural sweetness, while the rosemary adds an aromatic depth that elevates the gin’s botanicals. If you want to add more complexity, you can use honey syrup instead of simple syrup, which pairs beautifully with the herbal and citrus notes.

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Equipment Needed

To create this herbaceous and citrusy cocktail, you’ll need the following tools:

• Shaker: Essential for blending and chilling the ingredients.
• Jigger: For precise measurements of gin, juices, and syrup.
• Muddler: To release the oils and flavors from the fresh rosemary.
• Highball or Collins glass: The tall glass complements the cocktail’s fizz and allows room for ice and soda water.
• Bar spoon: To gently stir in the soda water after shaking.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to craft the perfect Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz:

1. Muddle the rosemary: In a shaker, add one sprig of fresh rosemary and a little bit of the simple syrup. Muddle gently to release the oils and aroma from the rosemary without breaking it apart too much.
2. Add the ingredients: Pour in the gin, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and the remaining simple syrup. The citrus will brighten the herbal notes, while the syrup balances the acidity.
3. Shake with ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice. The strained drink will be vibrant and refreshing.
5. Add the fizz: Top with a splash of soda water to give the drink its signature effervescence. Stir gently with a bar spoon to incorporate the soda without losing too much of the fizz.
6. Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice or twist of orange for an elegant and aromatic finish.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz delivers a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and herbaceous flavors. The fresh orange juice provides a bright, citrusy sweetness, which is tempered by the tartness of the lemon juice. The gin’s botanicals add depth and complexity, with the rosemary bringing a subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavors.

The soda water’s light fizz elevates the drink, making it both refreshing and slightly sparkling, perfect for warm weather or as a pre-dinner cocktail. The rosemary garnish not only adds visual appeal but also releases a fragrant herbal aroma that enhances each sip. The balance of citrus and herbs makes this cocktail light, yet sophisticated, with a clean, crisp finish.

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Garnishing and Presentation

The garnish is a crucial part of the Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz, as it ties together the drink’s visual and aromatic elements. A sprig of fresh rosemary is not only beautiful but also enhances the drink’s herbaceous notes. To bring out more of the rosemary’s aroma, you can gently clap the sprig between your hands before placing it into the glass.

An orange wheel or a thin twist of orange peel adds a pop of color and ties in with the fresh orange juice used in the cocktail. For a more creative presentation, you could even brûlée the orange slice for a caramelized, smoky touch.

Serve this cocktail in a tall highball or Collins glass to show off its vibrant color and allow space for the ice and soda water. Chilling the glass beforehand helps keep the drink cooler for longer, enhancing its refreshing qualities.

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Pairing Suggestions

The Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz pairs beautifully with light, flavorful dishes that complement the citrus and herbal elements. Here are a few ideas for pairing this cocktail:

• Grilled seafood: The herbal and citrus notes of the cocktail work wonderfully with grilled fish, shrimp, or scallops. The acidity of the orange and lemon helps balance the richness of the seafood.
• Herb-infused dishes: Dishes with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil will echo the herbal notes in the cocktail. Try pairing it with herb-roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a salad with a lemon-rosemary vinaigrette.
• Cheese boards: The citrus and herb flavors in the drink contrast nicely with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie. Add some crackers, fresh fruit, and honey to round out the pairing.
• Citrus desserts: A light citrus dessert, such as a lemon tart, orange sorbet, or citrus pound cake, would be an ideal complement to the bright flavors of the cocktail.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Gin Fizz family of cocktails dates back to the late 19th century and became widely popular in the early 20th century. The basic formula of gin, citrus, sweetener, and soda water is endlessly adaptable, with countless variations like the Ramos Gin Fizz and the French 75. The addition of rosemary and orange brings a modern twist to the traditional Gin Fizz, adding depth and complexity.

Rosemary has long been used in cooking and cocktails for its earthy, piney flavor, which pairs particularly well with gin’s juniper-forward profile. This herb adds an extra layer of sophistication to cocktails, elevating them from simple sours to more complex, fragrant drinks.

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Serving Suggestions

The Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual afternoon gatherings to more formal evening events. Its refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for summer garden parties or outdoor barbecues, while its elegant presentation also makes it suitable for holiday gatherings or pre-dinner aperitifs.

If you’re hosting a larger group, you can easily make the base mixture (gin, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled rosemary) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply shake with ice, strain into glasses, and top with soda water.

For an added touch, you can infuse your simple syrup with rosemary ahead of time by simmering rosemary sprigs in the sugar-water mixture. This will intensify the herbaceous flavor in the cocktail.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

With an ABV of around 10-12%, the Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz is a relatively light cocktail, thanks to the dilution from the ice and soda water. It’s easy to sip and perfect for warm-weather drinking without being too strong.

If you’d like to reduce the alcohol content, simply add more soda water or reduce the amount of gin slightly. You could also replace the gin with an alcohol-free botanical spirit to create a flavorful, non-alcoholic version of the drink, keeping the same herbal and citrus notes intact.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this drink without soda water?
Yes! If you prefer a non-fizzy version, simply skip the soda water. The drink will still be delicious, though it won’t have the light, bubbly texture that soda water provides.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?
While fresh orange juice is ideal for this cocktail, you can use store-bought juice in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a variety that is 100% juice without added sugar to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I use rosemary syrup instead of fresh rosemary?
Yes, you can use rosemary-infused syrup to enhance the herbal flavor even more. Just adjust the amount of simple syrup in the recipe to avoid making the cocktail too sweet.

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Printable Recipe Card

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Conclusion

The Rosemary Gin and Orange Fizz is an elegant and refreshing cocktail that combines bright citrus with herbal depth, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Its balanced flavors of gin, orange, lemon, and rosemary are enhanced by a touch of fizz, creating a drink that’s both sophisticated and light. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this cocktail is sure to impress with its refreshing taste and aromatic garnish.