Pine Needle Gin & Tonic

Combining pine needles with gin and tonic just makes sense, as two conifers are better than one! This refreshing highball cocktail is crisp, naturally spiced and well balanced. Perfect for the holidays.

Gin gets its distinct flavors from Juniper berries, and common juniper is an evergreen conifer. That's why it's fun to add pine needles, another species of conifer with great distinctive flavor.

Tools you'll want to make a cocktail:

• Cocktail shaker - for shaking your simple syrup into your lime juice and gin
• Cocktail jigger - for measuring in oz

Both of these are optional, you can absolutely just pour your ingredients into a glass and stir if you don't have these on hand.

The pine:

I'm surprised pine needle isn't more popular in food. There are over 100 species of pine in the world. And it's absolutely delicious. It pays homage to rosemary with hints of citrus. The needles are most flavorful when harvested in spring. And not only are they edible, they're also medicinal and rich in vitamin C. Everyone has heard of eating pine nuts, but the bark, cones and resin are also edible! And pine pollen has become quite popular in holistic medicine. If you love pine as much as we do, you may enjoy these Free Botanical Wall Art containing pine art.

The pine needles I used are from Eastern White Pine tree, foraged from upstate NY. Pine needles grow in long clusters known as fascicles, which resemble small bunches. They are usually found in groups of two to five needles. You can buy them here. If you want to go foraging for your own pine, here's a guide to do so safely. There are many benefits of drinking pine needle tea daily, and the flavor is delicious. So you may as well forage some, or grab a bag, bake up these pine needle shortbread cookies and make the syrup for a pine gin and tonic!

The ingredients:

Most of the work comes from making the pine needle syrup.

Syrup ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup dried pine needles
• 1 vanilla bean pod, seeds extracted

Gin and tonic ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce pine simple syrup
• 4 ounces tonic water

How to make the syrup:

1. In a small saucepan over medium/high heat, heat the water, sugar, pine needles and vanilla beans until it comes to a simmer
2. Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes
3. Remove from heat and let the liquid cool
4. Lastly, strain into a jar (with an airtight lid)
5. Let cool completely before using

How do you make a gin and tonic?

Add your gin, pine syrup and ice into your cocktail shaker. Shake well. Strain over your glass of choice with ice. Top with tonic water. Add your garnish, and enjoy.

How do you serve gin and tonic?

Gin and tonics are often served in a high glass glass or rocks glass.

Garnish a pine gin and tonic with:

• A dried orange slice
• A sprig of candied rosemary or candied pine needle
• A small candied pine cone