When Ciara asked Gerry to create a signature cocktail for the wedding in Cancun (of Ciara Rabbitt and Patrick Sanders at Zama Beach Lounge on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico) Gerry was absolutely thrilled. He found a recipe online for a Blood Orange Spritzer which was quickly modified to be an orange juice drink instead (lacking blood oranges on Isla Mujeres.)
Note that this drink was named the Ciaralicious Sparkler after we found out at the wedding that some of Ciara's lovely friends call her Ciaralicious. Ciaralicious she certainly is!
One part simple syrup made from sugar, rosemary and bay leaf *see below
One part Gin
One part fresh-squeezed orange juice (blood orange juice preferred)
One part tonic water
Shake and serve over ice.
*Simple Syrup:
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons (~2 sprigs-worth) fresh rosemary leaves
1 bay leaf
Combine the water, sugar, rosemary, and bay in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer for 3-5 minutes, or long enough for the sugar to dissolve, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let infuse for 10 minutes. Strain into a jar to cool completely. Keep in your refrigerator for refreshing drinks all summer (week?, day?, hour?) long.
