Cranberry Tarragon Table Talk

Cranberry and orange are familiar partners, but tarragon gives them a new direction with its light anise aroma. The herb should stay in the background, so use a small sprig and remove it once the flavor is clear. Orange softens the cranberry without making the drink taste like fruit punch. Serve it cold and keep the carbonation gentle. This is an easy dinner spritz with a slightly herbal finish, particularly good when another berry-and-mint combination feels too predictable.

Ingredients

• 5 oz Sparkling water
• 1 oz Cranberry juice
• 1 small sprig Fresh tarragon
• 2 oz Orange juice

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Mash soft fruit to release juice; lightly press herbs or thin ginger slices without shredding them.
2. Add the still juices and stir. Strain out seeds, skins or herb pieces if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Pour in the chilled sparkling water slowly and stir once. Serve immediately, with ice if you like.

Benefits

Orange · a little vitamin C

Using orange with cranberry and tarragon brings vitamin C for absorbing iron from plant foods, along with a familiar sweet-tart citrus flavor.

Cranberry · more than a sweet mixer

With tarragon and orange in the glass, the measured cranberry contributes a sharp berry edge as an accent to the fizz.