Chamomile and Tangerine Sparkling Cocktail for Two Recipe

Updated August 29, 2018

20150203-chamomiletangerinesparklingcocktail-cocktail-elana-lepkowski.jpg — 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.

Recipe Details

Chamomile and Tangerine Sparkling Cocktail for Two Recipe

Active 10 mins

Total 40 mins

Serves 4 servings

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

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