Cranberry & Grapefruit Paloma

INGREDIENTS

1 cup caster sugar

1 cup water

4 cinnamon sticks

4 whole cloves

4 star anise

1 peel of one whole orange

2 ounces cranberry juice

1 ounce grapefruit juice

1 ounce lime juice

2 ounces tequila

1 ounce cointreau

1.5 ounce spiced sugar syrup

1 bag ice

To garnish:
Ice, dehydrated orange & rosemary sprig!

METHOD

Spiced Sugar Syrup: combine the sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel in a saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Remove from heat and set aside to cool. This syrup can be made the day before and will keep in the fridge for up to one week in a sealed jar or container. The recipe makes approximately 15 cocktails.

Prepare your glasses by filling each glass to the top with ice. Set aside.

Cocktail: Add 2 cups of ice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, cointreau and spiced sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 1 minute, or until the shaker feels very cold and frosted on the outside.

Strain and pour the cocktail into two prepared glasses.

Garnish & serve immediately.