Need a simple go to recipe that takes just minutes to throw together? This spritzer has got you covered. I’m using cranberries in here to make it a bit more festive but feel free to swap them out for whatever berry you like. Its very easy to double or triple this recipe if you’re making it for a larger crowd. It only takes a few minutes to make and all of the ingredients are very common amongst most grocery stores. If using the blender method, feel free to skip the straining of the syrup if you don’t mind a little extra fiber in your drink. The syrup portion can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For a more toned down version of this bubbly add extra sparkling water until you reach your desired flavor.

Ingredients:

½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and divided

1 lime zested

1 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)

1 orange, juiced

2 sprigs of rosemary cut in half

2 tbsp maple syrup (add more or less depending on how tart you like it)

Pinch of salt

1 ½ cup sparkling water of choice, sparkling cider also works as well as champagne

Procedure:

There are 4 options below on how to blend your base syrup. For the first 3 options, in a small bowl, add ¼ cup of cranberries, lime zest and juice, orange juice, rosemary sprig halves, and maple. Using mortar gently mash the cranberries until everything is broken down. Option 2 is to mash everything with a fork and 3 is to get right in there and crush everything with your hands. Option 4 is to blend everything in a blender until the cranberries are fully broken down.

Both the mortar and fork method take a bit more time but they do work well to break down the berries.

I used a latex glove so my hand would not get stained by the cranberries.

Blending is the most effective method when making this syrup. If you don’t have a blender try the other 3 methods above.

Place a strainer over a bowl and pour the mashed up cranberry mixture into the strainer. Strain the mixture to separate the pulp from the juice. Gently press the pulp with the back of a spoon or spatula to help remove all the juice. You can eat the leftover pulp or discard it. It also goes well in a smoothie.

Divide syrup between glasses and top with the sparkling water. Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup of cranberries and a rosemary stem. You can serve this spritzer over ice or use frozen cranberries as the ice. Serve immediately.