Orange & rosemary sugar syrup

The ultimate way to liven up your Christmas gin & tonics

I love a G&T, but Christmas is all about being a bit extra, and this aromatic sugar syrup is the just the perfect way to make your drink feel a little more special and festive.

It’s so quick and easy to make, and the orange and herby rosemary compliment gin very well.

I like to make a drink with 25ml gin, 25ml sugar syrup and topped up with tonic, served over ice.

I left the orange zest and rosemary in the syrup when I bottled it (it will keep infusing), but if you prefer, strain the mixture through a sieve or muslin cloth first.

Store in the fridge and use within a week or two.

You’ll need:

• 150g sugar

• 150g water

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• Few sprigs of rosemary can leave on the stalks

Add the sugar to a saucepan with 150g of water (you want a 1:1 ratio, so if you scale up or down to make more or less, use the same ratio):

Add the orange zest, juice and rosemary to the pan. Heat over a medium heat until all the sugar has dissolved.

Allow to cool then transfer to a clean jar. Store in the fridge.