Rosemary Lemon Sparkler

Why You’ll Love Rosemary Lemon Sparkler Recipe

This drink feels effortlessly sophisticated and is surprisingly easy to prepare. The rosemary syrup gives a subtle woody‑herbal depth that beautifully complements the citrusy brightness of the lemon. It’s ideal for celebrations, romantic dinners, or just a simple toast — and the homemade syrup can be reused in other drinks, teas, or lemonades.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cocktail:

• 2 ounces rosemary simple syrup

• 2 ounces fresh‑squeezed lemon juice (Meyer or regular lemon)

• A dry champagne or Prosecco (enough to fill two glasses)

• 2 small rosemary sprigs, for garnish

For the rosemary simple syrup:

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 4 pieces of fresh rosemary, each about 4–5 inches long

Directions

Rosemary simple syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and rosemary. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.

2. Once boiling, allow to boil for about one minute, then remove from the heat.

3. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to infuse the rosemary flavor.

4. Strain out the rosemary and transfer the syrup into a jar. Allow it to cool completely, then chill before using.

Rosemary Lemon Sparkler

1. Divide the rosemary syrup and lemon juice evenly between two champagne flutes. Stir gently.

2. Fill the rest of each glass with chilled champagne or Prosecco.

3. Garnish each glass with a small sprig of rosemary.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2
Prep time: ~10 minutes (plus about 30 minutes to let the syrup infuse and chill)
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

• Use fresh herbs other than rosemary — like mint or thyme — in the simple syrup for a different herbal twist.

• Substitute the champagne with sparkling water or soda for a non‑alcoholic version.

• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor profile.

• Add a splash of gin or vodka before topping with champagne for a stronger cocktail.

• Infuse the syrup with citrus zest (lemon or orange) along with rosemary for extra citrus aroma.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rosemary simple syrup in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks. Use it to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, mocktails, or other cocktails. There’s no need to reheat — simply stir or shake well before use.

FAQs

What kind of lemon is best for this recipe?

Freshly‑squeezed regular lemons work well. If available, Meyer lemons give a slightly sweeter, more floral citrus note.

Can I use store-bought simple syrup instead of making my own?

You can — but you’ll miss the fresh rosemary aroma. A plain syrup will sweeten the drink, but won’t add the herbal depth that makes this cocktail special.

How far in advance can I make the rosemary simple syrup?

You can make the syrup up to 2–3 weeks ahead. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge.

Can I make this drink non‑alcoholic?

Yes — simply replace the champagne with chilled sparkling water or non‑alcoholic sparkling wine.

What type of champagne or sparkling wine should I use?

Use a dry champagne or a dry Prosecco. Avoid sweet sparkling wines, as they may make the drink overly sweet.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?

Yes — reduce or increase the amount of rosemary syrup to taste. You can also adjust the lemon juice slightly for more or less acidity.

Is it okay to use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Fresh rosemary is strongly recommended because the oils and aroma are brighter and more pronounced. Dried rosemary will produce a much weaker, less aromatic syrup.

Can I make a larger batch for a party?

Absolutely. Simply scale up the syrup (e.g. 2 cups sugar + 2 cups water + more rosemary) and mix proportions accordingly when preparing drinks.

What else can I use the leftover syrup for?

Use it to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, mocktails, or cocktails. You can also drizzle a bit over fruit salads for a fragrant hint of rosemary.

Can I add other flavors to the cocktail (e.g. citrus zest, berries)?

Yes. A twist of lemon or orange zest, a few fresh berries, or a sprig of another herb like mint can complement the rosemary‑lemon profile nicely.

Conclusion

The Rosemary Lemon Sparkler is a deceptively simple yet elegant cocktail — perfect for celebrations, intimate meals, or just lifting an ordinary evening with a little fizz and flair. Its homemade rosemary syrup adds a fragrant herbal note, while fresh lemon brightens everything up. Whether you stay classic or experiment with variations, this drink is easy to master and easy to fall in love with.