Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (950 ml) cranberry juice, 100% juice, unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) orange zest, freshly grated
  • 8 ounces (240 ml) gin, good quality London Dry Gin recommended
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Chilled Prosecco or other sparkling wine, to top
  • Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange zest.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove solids. Discard solids.
  4. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  5. Add gin, orange liqueur, lime juice, and 4 ounces (120 ml) of the spiced cranberry syrup to the shaker.
  6. Cover and shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
  7. Strain the mixture into Coupe glasses or champagne flutes. Top each glass with chilled Prosecco.
  8. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig, if desired.