Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup + 2 Festive Drinks for the Family

It's that time of year when fresh cranberries are available again!

This year, I wanted to make a cranberry simple syrup (which has a by-product of cranberry compote - a recipe for using that soon!)  Mostly for use in cocktails and mocktails (keep reading I have a recipe for each below).

I added fresh rosemary to my syrup for another layer of Christmas, but this is easily omitted for those who aren’t rosemary fans.

This versatile syrup is fantastic in both the Cranberry-Rosemary Mule (adult drink) and the Cranberry Sprite Mocktail (perfect for the whole family)!

Rosemary Cranberry Simple Syrup/Cranberry Compote

Adapted from Casual Foodist

1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries

1 cup sugar

1 ½ cups water

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Stir all ingredients together in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  

Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved and the cranberries are softened and have burst.

Strain the liquid for use as simple syrup, reserve the berries (discard rosemary) for use as compote.

Makes about 1 ½ cups syrup & 2 cups compote

Cranberry Rosemary Mule

½ ounce cranberry syrup

2 ounces vodka

3.25 ounces ginger beer

Ice

Pour the cranberry syrup, vodka, and ginger beer into a cup and lightly stir.  Top with ice and serve.

Cranberry Sprite Mocktail

1 (8 ounce) can sprite

2-4 tablespoons cranberry syrup

Pour the sprite into 2 cups, gently stir in the cranberry syrup.  Top with ice.