Spread holiday cheer with this merry Evergreen Sparker recipe from 'Very Merry Cocktails' by Jessica Strand (Chronicle Books, September 2020).

EVERGREEN SPARKLER

This pleasingly piney drink will be a satisfying way to spread cheer after a day of decorating or a walk in a wintery forest.

MAKES 1 DRINK

Ingredients and Directions:

• • 2 oz [60 ml] gin
  • 2 oz [60 ml] Rosemary Syrup (BELOW)
  • 2 oz [60 ml] fresh lemon juice
  • Club soda, for topping off
  • Rosemary sprig, for garnish

Fill a tumbler glass with ice. Pour the gin, rosemary syrup, and lemon juice into an ice filled shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into the glass, leaving about 1 in [2.5 cm] of space at the top. Top off with club soda and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

• • ROSEMARY SYRUP
  • 1 cup [200 g] sugar
  • 8 oz [240 ml] water
  • 3 rosemary sprigs

Combine the sugar, water, and rose­mary sprigs in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool. Strain the syrup and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes 12 oz [355 ml].

(* Reprinted from 'Very Merry Cocktails' by Jessica Strand with permission by Chronicle Books, 2020 -Photography by Ren Fuller)