Rosemary Lemon Cooler

Sparkling lemon cooler infused with fresh rosemary, lightly sweetened and served over ice.

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Briefly bruising the rosemary releases its oils without making the drink bitter, while sparkling water is added only at the end.

Ingredients

• 180 ml fresh lemon juice
• 100 g caster sugar
• 150 ml water (for syrup)
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 litre chilled sparkling water
• 4 cups ice cubes
• 1 lemon slices (for serving)

Step-by-step method

1. Put the sugar and still water in a small saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Lightly bruise two rosemary sprigs between your hands and add them to the syrup. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from the heat.
3. Leave the syrup to infuse for 10 minutes, then remove the rosemary. Stir in the lemon juice and chill the mixture if time allows.
4. Fill a large jug with ice and pour in the lemon-rosemary syrup.
5. Add the chilled sparkling water slowly so it keeps as much carbonation as possible.
6. Stir only once or twice, then taste. Add a splash more sparkling water if the drink is too sweet or sharp.
7. Garnish with lemon slices and the remaining fresh rosemary sprig and serve immediately.