Celebrate the season with a bright, herb-forward cocktail that’s easy to make and elegant to serve. This Rosemary Tequila Spritzer balances fragrant rosemary simple syrup, smooth tequila, fresh orange juice, and bubbly champagne for a festive drink that’s perfect for holiday dinners, New Year’s Eve, or anytime you want a celebratory sip. It’s refreshing, slightly herbaceous, and simple enough to prepare for a crowd.
The hero of this cocktail is the rosemary simple syrup. Making simple syrup is straightforward: simmer equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then steep fresh rosemary in the hot syrup as it cools. The rosemary infuses the syrup with an earthy, pine-like aroma and subtle savory notes that transform a standard spritzer into a holiday-worthy drink.
Once the syrup is ready, combine it with tequila and freshly squeezed orange juice in a shaker, then strain over ice and finish with champagne. The result is a light, effervescent cocktail with depth from the herbal syrup and bright citrus to lift the flavors. Below are clear ingredient amounts, step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and variations so you can make this drink with confidence.
Ingredients
- For the rosemary simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or monkfruit sweetener — see notes)
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- For the spritzer (serves 2):
- 2 ounces tequila (per drink; LALO or your preferred blanco)
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice (per drink)
- 1 ounce prepared rosemary simple syrup (per drink)
- Champagne or other sparkling wine, to top
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Step-by-step
Step one: Make the rosemary simple syrup
Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat, add the rosemary sprigs, and let them steep for 10–15 minutes while the syrup cools. Taste after a few minutes to ensure the rosemary flavor is to your liking—steeping longer yields a stronger herbal note. Strain out the rosemary before using. If you prefer a lighter syrup, use less rosemary or steep for a shorter time.
Step two: Mix the spritzer
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup per serving (or multiply for the number of servings). Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Step three: Strain, top, and garnish
Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses or flutes. Top each glass with champagne or sparkling wine to taste. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig for aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately while bubbly.
Can I make the simple syrup in advance?
Yes. If you use regular granulated sugar, the rosemary simple syrup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. If you choose a monkfruit or other granulated sugar substitute, the syrup may crystallize if stored, so plan to use it sooner or make a smaller batch.
What type of glass is best?
This spritzer works beautifully in a coupe glass for a classic cocktail presentation, or a flute if you want a taller, more champagne-forward look. For a more casual vibe, serve over ice in a rocks glass.
Notes, tips, and variations
- Batching: The simple syrup recipe makes more than needed for two drinks. If you’re only serving a couple of guests, halve the syrup recipe. Otherwise, the extra syrup is handy for repeat pourings throughout the evening.
- Monkfruit vs. sugar: Monkfruit sweetener provides a lower-calorie option but can cause crystallization in stored syrup. Use granulated sugar for the most stable refrigerated syrup.
- Non-alcoholic option: Replace tequila with non-alcoholic tequila alternatives or omit entirely and increase orange juice slightly, then top with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a virgin spritzer.
- Flavor variations: Add a splash of cranberry juice for color and tartness, or swap orange for blood orange in winter for a seasonal twist. A squeeze of lime can add extra brightness if desired.
- Garnish ideas: Besides a rosemary sprig, a thin orange wheel, a twist of orange peel, or a few frozen cranberries add festive color.
Recipe (serves 2)
- Servings: 2
- Tequila: 2 ounces per drink
- Orange juice: 1 ounce per drink (freshly squeezed recommended)
- Rosemary simple syrup: 1 ounce per drink
- Champagne: to top
Nutrition
Calories: 497 kcal; Carbohydrates: 112 g; Protein: 0.2 g; Fat: 0.4 g; Sugar: 112 g. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional info
- Author: Alex Snodgrass
- Course: Drinks
- Servings: 2
- Calories per recipe (approx.): 497
This Rosemary Tequila Spritzer is an effortless, festive cocktail that highlights the herbal complexity of rosemary against citrus and bubbles. It’s an ideal holiday drink to make ahead (the syrup) and finish quickly as guests arrive. Enjoy, and cheers to good company and seasonal flavors!