The evergreen herb of winter wellbeing
There are certain scents that seem to belong to wintertime. Aromas that carry a sense of comfort, a little ceremony and, if we're lucky, a whisper of magic. Rosemary is one of them. While berries and blossoms rise and fall with the seasons, rosemary stands steadfast: a fragrant evergreen flourishing in cottage gardens and hedgerows long after the last leaves have dropped.
This December, we're celebrating Rosemary in all its versatile, quietly uplifting glory, a herb as happy in your Christmas roast as it is in your evening bath. And because this month is filled with rituals that are comforting, merry, and bright, we thought we'd explore rosemary in three simple pleasures: something to eat, something to drink, and something to smell.
WHY WE LOVE ROSEMARY
At Bramley, rosemary is one of those ingredients that feels almost tailor-made for wellbeing. Its fresh, botanical scent has a brightness that cuts through the heaviness of winter; its essential oil is wonderfully clarifying, perfect for inviting a sense of calm focus when the season gets busy. Its a scent that turns the everyday, washing hands, stepping into the shower, running a bath, into something ritualistic.
THE FESTIVE TRIO - EAT, DRINK, SMELL
1. Eat - Rosemary, Orange & Olive Oil Shortbread
This is the sort of biscuit that feels like a grown-up Christmas: delicate, aromatic, and perfect with a cup of something warm when you finally sit down after wrapping presents.
Ingredients:
- 200g plain flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 150g good olive oil
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1-2 tsp finely shopped rosemary
- A pinch of flaky salt
Method:
Gently mix all ingredients to form a soft dough. Rest for 20 minutes. Roll into small rounds or press into a tin and score. Bake at 160°C for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. The rosemary brings a fragrant warmth, the orange brightens it, and the olive oil keeps everything tender. (This also makes a lovely homemade gift wrapped in brown paper and ribbon).
2. Drink - A 'Rosemary Winter Spritz'
Crisp, botanical and elegant. A cocktail that tastes like a wintry walk followed by fireside chaat.
You'll need:
- A splash of gin (a citrus-led one works beautifully)
- 1 tbsp rosemary sugar syrup*
- A squeeze of lemon or lime
- Tonic or sparkling water
- A sprig of Rosemary
*Rosemary syrup: Simmer equal parts sugar and water with two rosemary sprigs for 10 minutes. Cool.
Pour the gin, syrup and lemon/lime into a glass with ice. Top with tonic, swirl gently, and finish with a sprig of rosemary. It's refreshing yet comforting, a festive palate cleanser between celebrations.
For the non-drinkers:
Rosemary, Clementine & Ginger Fizz (Mocktail)
Bright, zesty and wonderfully aromatic.
Ingredients:
- Juice of one clementine
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Rosemary syrup (as above, just a splash)
- Sparkling water
Shake the clementine juice, ginger, honey and syrup over ice, strain into a glass and top with sparkling water. A rosemary sprig makes a charming garnish, and a fragrant one too.
3. Smell - A quiet moment with Rosemary
Rosemary features in several of our blends where we seek that comforting, countryside freshness. This is where rosemary truly shines. In a warm bath or a steamy shower, its essential oil unfurls gently. It's a scent that helps you slow the whirl of festive season and take a breath.
A few Bramley favourites:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hand Sanitiser
- Lip Balm
- Cloudberry Balancing Face Cream
This December, let rosemary be your companion in all its forms. In a biscuit offered to a friend, a spritz shared before supper, or a peaceful scent that rises from the shower at the end of a long day.
