It’s five o’clock somewhere, and it’s almost five o’clock here, so it’s time to get ready for the weekend with this White Cranberry Sprinter Cocktail. Sprinter, that’s spring, plus winter, see what I did there? Corny, I know. But here in Philly, it’s definitely Sprinter. Yesterday it was 70. Today it’s 40. What gives? And what’s a party thrower to do? Hot Chocolate or Piña Coladas? Don’t worry, of course I have the drink for you. I highly recommend mixing up a batch of this delicious White Cranberry Sprinter Cocktail which perfectly navigates the challenges of the in between season with its light nod to winter in the form of cranberry and rosemary, and its playful spring inclinations with a little spicy ginger and Caribbean inspired rum. If you’ve been persuaded by me in the past to keep some herbal simple syrup on hand, all you need to do is add a couple of tablespoons of rough chopped ginger into some rosemary simple syrup and rewarm it. It will infuse while it cools leaving you with a woodsy, spicy syrup that goes great with the tartness of the lime and cranberry. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s a cup of water, a cup of sugar, a couple of sprigs of rosemary and the rough chopped ginger brought to a boil and then covered and removed from the heat. It’s enough to make a large pitcher of drinks, but you can always make some extra simple syrup and store it in the fridge so you’re one step ahead next time you’re feeling happy hour inspired. This White Cranberry Sprinter Cocktail makes a great mocktail, too, just substitute sparkling water, seltzer or club soda for the rum and you’re got a refreshing delicious take on limeade that will please everyone.
- 1 cup rosemary ginger simple syrup
- ⅔ cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 4 cups white cranberry juice
- 2 cups rum* or sparkling soda if you're mocktailing
- limes to garnish
- Need to make the simple syrup? In a small sauce pan combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, a couple of sprigs of rosemary and a couple of tablespoons of chopped ginger.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover. Remove from heat and cool.
- Strain.
- In a large pitcher (can you tell from the pitcher I selected that I'm pushing for the Spring part of Sprinter?) combine the simple syrup, lime juice, and white cranberry juice.
- Either add the rum or set it next to the pitcher and let guests choose how much to add. If you're making mocktails, add the sparkling water.
Serve over ice with lime wedges to garnish.
- *I like a really nice, aged dark rum for this cocktail- Zaya gran reserva is affordable and delicious
