Rosemary Poinsettia Cocktail

With its red tint and spruce-like garnish, the Rosemary Poinsettia cocktail is Christmas in a glass. Created by Middle West Spirits in Columbus, the drink features OYO vodka, and the rosemary base combined with the pomegranate and citrus flavors serves as a perfect accompaniment to rich holiday meals and hors d’oeuvres alike.  

“You get the nose of rosemary garnish when you take a sip, and it’s not overly sweet,”says Josh Daily, part of Middle West Spirit’s cocktail-invention team.

But perhaps one of the final additions to the drink, the splash of champagne, is what keeps the crowds merry and bright. The bubbles give the cocktail a lightness, so don’t be surprised if your guests go for a refill. 

“We’ve seen it become that staple holiday party cocktail,” says Daily. “It’s accessible, and people at home can make it. It’s not like you have to be a bartender. middlewestspirits.com 

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Rosemary Poinsettia 

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 ounces OYO vodka
1 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice
1/2 ounce rosemary-infused simple syrup (visit our online version of this story for how to make this ingredient) 
1 fresh lime
1/2 ounce champagne
Sprig of rosemary 

DIRECTIONS
Build the first four ingredients in a mixing tin. Shake, then strain over ice and top with champagne. Garnish with a rosemary-lime boat: a thin slice of lime skewered with a sprig of rosemary.   

Rosemary Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
1 cup sugar 
2 sprigs rosemary 

DIRECTIONS
Combine water, sugar and rosemary in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally. Boil for approximately 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let stand 30 minutes. Pour through a wire-mesh strainer into an airtight container and discard rosemary springs.