Plum and Rosemary Smash Mocktail Recipe

A tantalizing blend of muddled ripe plums and aromatic rosemary creates a sophisticated, herbaceous mocktail with the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory notes.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
2 mocktails
A tall highball glass filled with crushed ice and a deep purple-red mocktail, captured in bright natural daylight that highlights the layers of plum and rosemary infusion. Condensation beads on the glass surface, suggesting refreshing coldness. A wooden muddler rests beside the glass alongside fresh plum slices and a sprig of rosemary. The drink is garnished with a partially skewered plum slice and a smacked rosemary sprig releasing visible oils on the surface. The photo angle captures both the vibrant drink color and the aromatic steam rising from the fresh herbs.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 ripe plums, pitted and quartered</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 sprigs fresh rosemary (2 for muddling, 2 for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml rosemary-infused simple syrup (see method)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes and crushed ice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Plum slice and rosemary sprig for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glasses</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan (for syrup)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>First, prepare the rosemary-infused simple syrup by combining 100ml water and 100g sugar in a small saucepan. Add 2 sprigs of rosemary, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and cool completely before using. This makes enough for multiple drinks and can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a cocktail shaker, add the quartered plums and 2 sprigs of rosemary (remove leaves from stems). Muddle gently but firmly to release the plum juices and rosemary oils without making the mixture bitter. You should smell the aromatic rosemary essence immediately.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the rosemary-infused simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and honey to the shaker. Fill with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. The shaking helps incorporate all flavors while chilling and diluting the mixture to the perfect strength.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill two highball glasses with crushed ice. Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to catch any plum pulp or rosemary fragments, dividing it evenly between the glasses. The liquid should have a beautiful purplish-red hue.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Top each glass with approximately 120ml of sparkling water, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Gently stir once to incorporate without losing the bubbles.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish each mocktail with a fresh plum slice and a sprig of rosemary. For maximum aroma, lightly slap the rosemary between your palms before garnishing – this releases the essential oils and intensifies the herbaceous fragrance that greets you with each sip.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and the bubbles are still lively. The flavors will continue to meld as you enjoy, with the rosemary becoming more pronounced throughout the drinking experience.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh ones for this mocktail?

Yes, frozen plums can work in a pinch. Thaw them partially first so they're still firm enough to muddle. The flavour won't be quite as vibrant as fresh plums, but they'll still provide good colour and taste. For best results, always opt for fresh plums when available.

What's the best technique for muddling herbs without making the drink bitter?

Gently press herbs rather than grinding or tearing them. Use a light touch with 3-4 presses to release essential oils without crushing the stems or breaking down chlorophyll, which causes bitterness. For rosemary specifically, remove the leaves from the woody stems before muddling.

How can I make a batch of this mocktail for a larger gathering?

Multiply ingredients by the number of servings needed, prepare the base mixture (excluding sparkling water) up to 4 hours ahead, and refrigerate. Just before serving, divide the mixture among glasses with fresh ice and top each with sparkling water. Add garnishes at the last moment.

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