Cedar Tea Inspired Mocktail

Cedar tip tea is a traditional herbal preparation in many Indigenous communities, valued for its bright, resinous aroma. This mocktail is inspired by that tradition without using actual cedar or thuja needles, which can be unsafe to steep and drink in concentrated form; instead, fresh rosemary and citrus recreate a similar piney, aromatic character in a safe, refreshing maple-sweetened sparkler.

By YumYum Editorial · Indigenous & First Nations Inspired

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 5 min · Total: 15 min · Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 1 cup water
• 3 cups chilled sparkling water
• to taste Ice cubes
• to taste Lemon wheels, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, maple syrup, and rosemary sprigs. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, gently bruising the rosemary with a spoon, until fragrant. Do not boil.
2. Remove from heat and let the rosemary steep in the syrup for 10 minutes, then strain into a jar or pitcher and discard the rosemary.
3. Stir the lemon juice into the cooled maple-rosemary syrup.
4. Fill four glasses with ice and divide the syrup mixture evenly among them.
5. Top each glass with sparkling water and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a lemon wheel, then serve immediately.