Refreshing Citrus Gin Fizz with Herbal Rosemary Twist

Bright, fresh, a little zing from the citrus and then a surprising earthy twist. The fizz tickles, the gin bites just right, and that herbal pinprick from rosemary kind of sticks with you — like a memory you didn’t expect. Chill it enough and you’ve got something that’s quick to slip down but interesting enough to keep going back for more. Not fancy, just good for when the afternoon drags or a quiet night unfolds.

Why You’ll Crave It

• A toast to fresh orange juice that lifts the whole thing up
• More subtle sweetness than syrup usually gives, without going overboard
• That fresh rosemary sprigs funk — almost herbal, almost piney
• Soda tonic’s bitterness cuts through to keep things energetic
• Easy to make in big batches and perfect for sharing

Not just for gin lovers — I’m hooked every summer.

What You’ll Need

• Fresh Orange Juice: about 850 ml, strained or pulped, bright and citrusy
• Gin: roughly 650 ml, your choice — something classic, smooth
• Agave Syrup: 280 ml, silky liquid sweetener, a little earthier than cane syrup
• Fresh Rosemary: 20 sprigs, each around 4 cm, to crush and keep flavor alive
• Cold Sparkling Water: 950 ml, bubbly and crisp, as a twist from usual tonic water
• Ice Cubes: plenty, for the chill factor

Easy How-To

Mix and Marinate

Start by mash-crushing 6 sprigs of rosemary gently, just enough to unlock those oils without shredding leaves everywhere. Pour the juice, gin, agave, and those crushed sprigs into a pitcher big enough to hold 2 liters or more. Stir gently, cover and pop it in the fridge for around 17 hours — gives the flavors time to chat and settle.

Strain and Chill

Pull it from the fridge, strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Toss the spent rosemary bits — they’ve given up most of their good stuff by now anyway. Keep the liquid chilled but ready to serve.

Serve It Up

Pour about 85 ml of the mix into each glass, add roughly 55 ml sparkling water. Drop a rosemary sprig in for looks and aroma. Top with ice cubes until your glass clinks in that way that says it’s time.

Good to Know

• Letting the mixture sit longer than a day? The flavors deepen but that fresh buzz dulls a bit.
• Swapping tonic for sparkling water gives it more of a soft spritz without extra bitterness.
• Fresh rosemary lasts surprisingly well in the fridge if wrapped in damp paper towel.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with grilled veggies or light tapas for an easy weekend snack
• Great chilled alongside a summer salad — something with goat cheese or avocado
• Sip as a pre-dinner refresher to stimulate appetite but not overwhelm

Top Tricks

• Freshly squeezed juice makes a huge difference — supermarket stuff works, but fresh changes the taste
• Don’t crush rosemary too hard or you’ll end up with too much bitterness in the drink
• Adjust syrup sweetness after initial maceration by stirring in small amounts to taste

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lemon instead of orange juice here?

You can, but lemons are more tart and sharper, which will make the drink punchier and less naturally sweet. Adjust the agave accordingly to keep things balanced.

Why swap soda tonic for sparkling water?

Sparkling water lightens the drink. You lose some bitterness and quinine bite from tonic, but you gain a cleaner, very bubbly finish — perfect for days you want a gentler fizz.

How long will this keep in the fridge?

Up to 3 days is your safest bet. Beyond that, it starts losing freshness and the herbal notes turn a little sharp.