Kris Kringle Cosmos

These Kris Kringle Cosmos are a festive twist on the classic cocktail and feature a delicious rosemary and ginger infused brown sugar syrup! Talk about a tasty mouthful. Tart cranberry and lime juices, sweet orange liqueur, and the warming herbaceous syrup result in a lovely drink. These will spread holiday cheer to all who consume them – that’s a fact. Cheers to you and to Mr. Kris Kringle himself!

I love a festive cocktail this time of year.

There’s just something about it that makes the holidays extra fun. And I’m not talking about the booze.

Holding a pretty, Christmas-themed drink in my hand just makes me feel extra festive!

And these Kris Kringle Cosmos are just that.

These cosmos are a fun twist on the classic and taste of all things sweet and spiced.

While I realize it’s very Carrie Bradshaw of me to admit this, I have always loved a classic cosmo. In fact, if I’m out somewhere and have no idea what to drink, it is often what I order.

They’re simple, good, and reliable.

So I wanted to take that classic idea and put a little holiday spin on it. How you ask?

With a rosemary and ginger infused brown sugar simple syrup. YUM.

The infused simple syrup is so freaking good. It’s sweet and warm with the punch of ginger and herbaceous rosemary, and the brown sugar adds a richness that I adore.

My husband, an avid bourbon drinker, even tried it with some of the brown stuff and said it was delicious there too. So! It has multiple uses.

I bet it would even taste good in coffee! Perhaps I’ll test that this week.

Aside from making the syrup and allowing it to steep for a bit, this cocktail really is pretty effortless.

We shake up cranberry juice, vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and the spiced syrup until cold, strain into glasses, and enjoy!

Simple yet delicious.

Ingredients Needed to Make These Kris Kringle Cosmos:

For the Syrup:

• Brown sugar
• Water
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh ginger

For the Cocktail:

• Cranberry juice
• Vodka
• Orange liqueur – I love Cointreau
• Fresh lime juice
• The simple syrup
• Optional garnishes: rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries

How to Make These Kris Kringle Cosmos:

For the Rosemary Ginger Syrup:

• Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and set over medium heat.
• Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water.
• Add in the rosemary and ginger and remove from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature with the rosemary and ginger steeping in it. The longer you let the ginger and rosemary steep, the more intense the flavor will be. Remove the rosemary and ginger before using. 

For One Cocktail:

• Add all the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
• Strain into a martini glass and garnish with cranberries or rosemary sprigs (this is optional but does make it extra festive).

Cheers to you and this lovely cocktail! And cheers to Mr. Kris Kringle himself!

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