Rosemary Collins

There’s a new girl in town and her name is Rosemary Collins.

Every year at my annual holiday party called “The Ornament Exchange” I offer a featured drink. This year Foodie suggested a twist on the traditional Tom Collins that involves infusing the simple syrup used in the drink with rosemary, hence a Rosemary Collins.   Anything that involves Rosemary sounds satisfactory to me so Rosemary was happily invited to the bash.   

A traditional Tom Collins is a concoction of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda garnished with a Maraschino cherry or lemon slice.  This drink replaces the straight-up simple syrup with a rosemary infused version.

To make rosemary simple syrup, combine 1 cup each of sugar and water and a few fresh sprigs of rosemary in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about one minute. Remove the pan from the heat, and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Strain into a jar and throw away the rosemary sprigs. Place the lid on the jar and chill a few hours.

Rosemary Collins

1 ½ oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz rosemary simple syrup
Club soda or seltzer water
Pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary for garnish

Pour the gin, lemon juice, and rosemary sugar syrup into a tall glass with ice cubes. Stir thoroughly or place a martini shaker top on the glass and give it a shake. Top with club soda, and garnish with Pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary.   Adjust the proportions to make a pitcher…like we did!

Rosemary was the hit of the party!  A welcome guest anytime.