The Rosemary Collins Cocktail marries a Tom Collins with rosemary simple syrup and it's light, delightful, and a great warm weather sipper!
I have to admit, when I first made this Rosemary Collins Cocktail, it was for a holiday gathering; the rosemary seemed so appropriate. But I have since made other versions for the holidays and have enjoyed this version more during the warmer months when I have fresh rosemary in my garden.
It is VERY similar to a classic Tom Collins, but with a hint of rosemary it's light and refreshing and perfect for a warm summer afternoon.
The truth is that a Rosemary Tom Collins is about as closely related to it's cousin Tom as it could be...the same basic ingredients come together with the addition of a rosemary simple syrup and more rosemary as garnish.
But the taste is unique and I admit, I love both cocktails in the summer. It's nice to be able to change up a summer mainstay with the Rosemary Collins version that is also light and easy to prepare.
That being said, the taste, while reminiscent, is totally different; you can't deny the presence of rosemary. And it's important that that it only be a gentle presence. Too much rosemary and it can become almost medicinal. When I first made these cocktails I used only a sprig as garnish and found myself not as satisfied; the rosemary simple syrup was key.
Still...it has to be a gentle process. There is no boiling for maximum extraction; simply put the herb into the simple syrup that has been brought off heat after the sugar has melted in the water. Let the herb steep for about 5 minutes before removing it from the simple syrup and putting the syrup into the fridge to cool off.
Something about the herbaceous quality of gin combined with rosemary and the freshness of lemon with a bit of sugar and this Rosemary Tom Collins has a great flavor I love. Add chilled bubbly water and it's a wonderful thirst quencher and really does satisfy; perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or evening.
Keeping it lean? Try this one...after all no one said we had to take EVERYTHING fun out of our diet, right?
Cheers!
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Rosemary Collins
