Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup filtered water
- 0.5 cup maple syrup
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 wide strips orange zest
- 2 oz premium gin
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 1.5 oz spiced cranberry reduction
- 2 oz sparkling mineral water
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 5 frozen cranberries
Instructions:
- Combine 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup water, 0.5 cup maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Once the cranberries begin to burst, lightly press them with a wooden spoon to release juices and natural pectins.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the liquid reduces by one-third and reaches a deep mahogany color. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass jar, discarding the solids, and allow to cool completely.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with large ice cubes, combine 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 1.5 oz of the cooled spiced cranberry reduction.
- Shake vigorously for exactly 15 seconds to achieve micro-aeration and a silken mouthfeel.
- Strain using a Hawthorne strainer into a chilled coupe glass or highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with 2 oz sparkling mineral water and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and frozen cranberries.