Chamomile and Tangerine Sparkling Cocktail for Two

Chamomile and Tangerine Sparkling Cocktail for Two
  • Yield:Makes 4 servings
  • Active time:10 minutes
  • Total time:40 minutes

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

Many floral cocktails can be unappealingly perfumy, but this one offers just a touch of chamomile brightened by tangy tangerine juice and white balsamic vinegar. The base for this cocktail gets premixed in a bottle that can be packed away for a surprise picnic or easy pre-dinner drink. Just pop open some bubbly to top it all off! (Feel free to adjust amount of sparkling wine to your liking.)

Why this recipe works:

  • Batching in advance means the is cocktail ready to be served without any last-minute stress.
  • Tart white balsamic vinegar and dry Cava balance the sweetness of fresh tangerine juice and floral chamomile.

Ingredients

  • For the Chamomile-Tangerine Syrup:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 4 chamomile tea bags
  • Zest of 2 tangerines, white pith removed
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
  • For the Base:
  • 4 ounces Chamomile-Tangerine Syrup
  • 3 ounces white balsamic vinegar
  • 4 ounces London Dry Gin, such as Tanqueray
  • For Each Cocktail:
  • 5 ounces chilled dry sparkling wine, such as Cava

Directions

  1. 1.

    For the Chamomile-Tangerine Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a medium sauce pan and bring to a light simmer over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and add tea bags, tangerine juice, and zests. Steep for 6 minutes, then discard tea bags. Cover and let stand an additional 30 minutes. Strain zest and keep syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 month.

  2. 2.

    For the Base: Combine syrup, white balsamic, and gin in a swing-top bottle. Gently swirl to blend. Refrigerate until ready to use. Base will keep up to 4 days refrigerated.

  3. 3.

    For Each Cocktail: Measure out 2 3/4 ounces of the base into a Champagne flute or cocktail glass. Top with sparkling wine.