A vibrant red mocktail in a glass garnished with rosemary and cranberries.
Editorial recipe guidance

pro football city mocktails · alcohol-free

The Crimson Woodsman Sparkler

A sophisticated, woodsy non-alcoholic cocktail blending tart New England cranberries with rich maple syrup and aromatic rosemary.

Editorial recipe guidanceThis page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim.

Prep time

10 minutes

Total time

15 minutes

Serves

1

Difficulty

Easy

A vibrant red mocktail in a glass garnished with rosemary and cranberries.Rosemary-infused maple syrup being poured into a cocktail shaker with cranberry juice.

Bright & refreshing

A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.

Simple ingredients

Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.

Perfect for occasions

Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.

  • 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark)
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3 oz sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic)
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 4-5 fresh cranberries for garnish
  • Small pinch of sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the glass

    1. In a small container, bruise one rosemary sprig and stir it into the maple syrup, letting it sit for 5 minutes to infuse.

  2. 2

    Build the drink

    2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

  3. 3

    Add the finishing touch

    3. Pour the cranberry juice, rosemary-infused maple syrup, lemon juice, and sea salt into the shaker.

  4. 4

    Garnish & serve

    4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the exterior of the shaker feels very cold.

  5. 5

    Garnish & serve

    5. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

  6. 6

    Garnish & serve

    6. Top the glass with sparkling apple cider and stir gently with a long spoon to incorporate.

  7. 7

    Garnish & serve

    7. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and floating cranberries before serving immediately.

Recipe Tips

  • Use honey instead of maple syrup for a lighter sweetness.
  • Substitute sparkling water for cider if you prefer a less sweet finish.
  • Thyme can replace rosemary for a softer herbal note.

Make It Your Own

For a crowd: Batch the cranberry, lemon, and rosemary-maple syrup in a pitcher; add the sparkling cider and ice just before serving to maintain carbonation.

Easy swaps: Use honey instead of maple syrup for a lighter sweetness. Substitute sparkling water for cider if you prefer a less sweet finish. Thyme can replace rosemary for a softer herbal note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened cranberry juice?

You can, but you should reduce the maple syrup by half to avoid an overly sweet drink.

How long does the rosemary syrup last?

The infused maple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Is sparkling cider the same as apple juice?

No, sparkling cider is carbonated and usually less sweet, providing the necessary fizz and bite for this recipe.

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