Photo Credit: The Lovely Kitchen
This honeyed cocktail tastes like sweet nectar poured straight over ice. Herby and rich, this is a strong cocktail that has the essence of rosemary and rooibos tea. Although it is served cold, this beverage would be satisfying as a cold weather drink because of its full-bodied nature. It would also do extraordinarily as a springtime cocktail due to its balance of rich and delicate flavors. No matter the time of year, this recipe is a great addition to your cocktail repertoire.
ROSEMARY ROOIBOS SIDECARS
Makes 6-8 glasses // Prep Time: 10 minutes // Active Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Rosemary Rooibos Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups filtered water
- 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 rounded tsp loose leaf or 2 sachets/bags rooibos
- 1 cup sugar or 1/2 cup honey/maple syrup
Sidecars
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup rosemary rooibos simple syrup
- 2 cups cognac
- Ice for serving
- Rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish
Directions
Rosemary Rooibos Simple Syrup
Boil the water and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan for 1-3 minutes, remove from heat, add in the tea and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove (strain) tea and rosemary sprigs, return saucepan to stovetop and bring to a simmer. Add in the sugar/honey/maple syrup and stir constantly until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. This will keep well in the refrigerator in a sealable glass jar (mason jar) for up to 1 week!
Sidecars
Rim the glasses with sugar (by using honey) if you'd like and set aside for now. In a large pitcher combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and cognac and stir well. Add more simple syrup or lemon juice to taste. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs!
