Spring

Rosemary lemon sparkler

by:
March 21, 2011
4.3
3 Ratings
Rosemary lemon sparkler
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

My husband and I eloped last fall. It was pretty great (and don't worry, we're going to get the chance to celebrate with all of our friends and family too, next fall). We took two of our best friends - one of whom conveniently is a minister - to the park right by where we live and had a tiny ceremony under the trees. Afterwards we all went out to a fabulous dinner at our favorite neighborhood restaurant where the absolutely amazing staff showered us with champagne, cocktails, cheeses, and such on the house. Having been in a state of bubbly over excitement, I don't remember most of the details of the dinner, but one of the drinks we had has stuck with me. A lovely, refreshing, champagne cocktail lightly laced with the scent of rosemary and lemons. I've been thinking about trying to make my own version for a while now, and finally got around to it. This one is just as delicious as the version in my memory. —fiveandspice

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Rosemary lemon sparkler
  • 2 ounces rosemary simple syrup (see below)
  • 2 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice - Meyer or regular lemon
  • a fairly nice (but not crazy expensive, after all, you're doctoring it) dry champagne or prosecco
  • 2 sprigs (small ones) of rosemary, to garnish
  • Rosemary simple syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 4-5 inch, or so, pieces of fresh rosemary
Directions
  1. Rosemary lemon sparkler
  2. Divide the the rosemary syrup and lemon juice between 2 champagne flutes. Stir. Fill the rest of the way with champagne. Garnish with little sprigs of rosemary. Sante!
  1. Rosemary simple syrup
  2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Boil for one minute, then remove from the heat.
  3. Let sit for a half hour, then strain into a jar, removing the rosemary. Allow to cool completely, then chill before using. Obviously this makes far more rosemary syrup than you need for 2 drinks, but don't worry, you'll want to use it in all sorts of other drinks. Well, plus you need to use up that open bottle of champagne, so who wants to stop at just 1 drink for each of you?!
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30 Reviews

AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames August 18, 2011
We made this, without any alcohol or other bubbly liquid of any kind, for a dinner party at which no alcohol was served. We used simple cold filter water and a few cubes of ice. I let the rosemary infuse a bit longer than suggested, and used Meyer lemons. Everyone commented that they really liked it. Sensational! A new summer favorite.;o)
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice August 18, 2011
Thanks AJ! I'm so glad you guys liked it!
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen March 27, 2011
This photo will make a lovely anniversary card (with drink recipe included, too)!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 28, 2011
That is brilliant! I love that idea. So creative!
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen March 28, 2011
Although I haven't used them yet, check out the options with Tiny Prints which was a blog feature during the holidays (November?) on this site.
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 28, 2011
Yes! That was actually my first thought. Definitely going to check it out.
 
lorigoldsby
lorigoldsby March 31, 2011
That is a great idea--talk about a "signature drink"!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice April 1, 2011
I know. It's such a great idea! I'm just itching for our anniversary!
 
jen_c
jen_c March 27, 2011
Ohhh, I've just had a sip and it has made my Sunday.
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 27, 2011
Oh, I'm so happy to hear it! Sounds like your Sunday is more exciting than mine! :)
 
TheWimpyVegetarian
TheWimpyVegetarian March 27, 2011
I love the story and the drink! This is definitely on my must-make list! Really lovely.
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 27, 2011
Thanks so much ChezSusanne!
 
singing_baker
singing_baker March 24, 2011
What a great story and the drink looks fabulous. I have all the ingredients in my kitchen so I'm going to make some tonight! I also checked out your blog and its amazing. Keep up the good work!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 24, 2011
Thank you singing baker!! If you give the drink a try, I'd absolutely love to hear what you think. And thanks so much for your kind comment about my blog. I have so much fun writing it (it's a great break from academic writing), and it brings me a lot of joy when I learn others enjoy it as well!
 
thirschfeld
thirschfeld March 23, 2011
This looks like it would be great for Mother's day brunch. My wife and I had a surprise wedding and I wouldn't have done it any other way. Cheers to your eloping.
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 24, 2011
Thanks T! And I absolutely agree, it would make a lovely drink for a Mother's day brunch. I'd be willing to bet you and your kids plan a wonderful celebration!
 
Midge
Midge March 23, 2011
What a lovely wedding, congrats to both of you! My husband and I have a similar story (only we went out for sushi afterward) and have never regretted eloping. Can't wait to try this!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 23, 2011
Thank you Midge!!! Love the sound of your wedding too, and hearing that you've always been happy with the decision to elope! :)
 
lapadia
lapadia March 23, 2011
First of all Champagne is my favorite, second, rosemary and lemon fall right under that, this sounds great. Oh, and a splash of vodka might be good, too! Lovely story, fiveandspice...
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 23, 2011
Thanks lapadia! And, I agree, a splash of vodka definitely would not hurt. Indeed, you could totally make a whole separate drink by shaking together some vodka, rosemary syrup, and lemon juice with ice and straining it into a martini glass. Bet that would be yummy too. But, then you wouldn't get the bubbly!
 
SKK
SKK March 22, 2011
First of all, sharing your elopement with us is a gift. The recipe is wonderful! Friends are hosting a birthday party for me and this is the drink I am requesting.

A belated congratulations to the groom and best wishes to the bride!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 22, 2011
Thank you so much SKK, you're so kind! I guess it's a testimony to what an amazing community food52 is, because writing the little description above really just felt like telling friends. And, I'm so flattered you've requested this drink for your birthday. I really hope you enjoy it. And, happy birthday to you!!
 
gingerroot
gingerroot March 22, 2011
What a lovely memory and beautiful sparkler. I can almost see you under those gorgeous-only-fall-in-Boston trees. Congrats, fiveandspice, and thanks for the recipe - saving for a special occasion.
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 22, 2011
Oh, thank you so much gingerroot! It was a lovely day. Here's to special occasions! :)
 
hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour March 21, 2011
Love the combo of lemon and rosemary, and this sounds perfectly delicious!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 21, 2011
Thanks hla! I love the combo too, and adding champagne pretty much never hurts anything!
 
drbabs
drbabs March 21, 2011
Love this! Congratulations!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 21, 2011
Thank you drbabs! We're enjoying ourselves so far :).
 
mrslarkin
mrslarkin March 21, 2011
This sounds lovely!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice March 21, 2011
Thanks mrsl! I certainly found it so!