Looking for a mocktail option? No worries, we’ve got you covered! Create a gorgeous and equally delicious mocktail simply by using club soda instead of bourbon. Cheers to a new season, a new cocktail or mocktail for everyone to enjoy, and of course, to gorgeous Sunkist® lemons!
Smoked Bourbon Lemon Rosemary Cocktail *Mocktail friendly*
By Christine Fiorentino | @christinefiorentino_
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Serves: 1
Ingredients
Spiced Rosemary Syrup
- 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cardamom seed
- 1 star anise
- 1 3-inch x 1-inch Sunkist lemon peel
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cocktail/Mocktail
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 Sunkist® lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon Spiced Rosemary Syrup, more if preferred (method below)
- 3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, one for garnish and serving, one for smoking (method below)
- 1 very thinly sliced Sunkist lemon slice, for garnish and serving
- *For mocktail option, replace bourbon with club soda. Stir, rather than shake, to mix.
Directions
Spiced Rosemary Syrup
- Add ¼ cup water, turbinado sugar, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and Sunkist® lemon peel to a small skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to low heat and simmer until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Remove pan from heat and add vanilla extract. Allow syrup to cool completely. Strain to remove herbs and spices. Transfer syrup to a mason jar or airtight container. You can make this ahead of time. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Cocktail/Mocktail
- Add bourbon, Sunkist® lemon juice, Spiced Rosemary Syrup, and bitters to a large cocktail shaker. Top with ice to nearly fill. Cover and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. If opting for a mocktail, stir rather than shake.
- Light one end of a cinnamon stick until it begins to smolder. Place rosemary sprig on fire-proof surface and cover with cocktail glass. Leave it to smoke while you prepare cocktail. When cocktail is ready for serving, flip over glass and pour cocktail. Discard rosemary sprig.
- Flip smoked glass upright. Fill with ice. Strain bourbon mixture into glass. Garnish with rosemary sprig. Tuck Sunkist® lemon slice into glass, or perch on rim. Serve chilled immediately.
