As outdoor lovers, when we imagine the holiday season, we think of pine. Stomping through the snow, the crisp, fresh scent of pine needles in the air—of course, we’re going to infuse the essence of the classic winter trees into our whiskey cocktails.
Pine cocktails are an excellent way to capture the essence of Christmas in a glass. The earthy, yet almost minty scent of pine perfectly complements the smooth warmth of bourbon. So how do we best combine pine and whiskey? We’ll walk you through the steps to bring that fresh winter forest feeling to your glass.
Types of Conifers to Use in Cocktails
When it comes to choosing the right conifer for infusing your cocktails, there are a variety of options, beyond the classic pine. Conifers, such as pines, spruces, and firs, all have distinct flavors that can pair with your whiskey in unique ways. Here are some of the most popular conifers you can use:
Pine (Pinus spp.)
Pine is the most common conifer used in cocktail infusions. Its needles have a crisp, fresh, and slightly resinous flavor that can bring a woody, earthy quality to your drinks. Different pine species can impart subtle variations — for example, Eastern White Pine has a more citrusy note, while Scotch Pine has a sharper, resinous bite.
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Douglas Fir has a citrusy, bright, and piney flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with rye whiskey, providing an aromatic, zesty note that’s perfect for holiday cocktails. It’s a bit sweeter than pine and offers a lovely fragrance that blends beautifully with other seasonal ingredients.
Spruce (Picea spp.)
Spruce has a sharp, slightly spicy flavor with a deep, woodsy essence. Spruce tips tend to have a more citrus-forward profile, with a hint of rosemary.
Cedar (Cedrus spp.)
While not technically a true pine, cedar offers a famously spicy, woody flavor with aromatic qualities that can be quite powerful. Its flavors are often described as earthy, with a slight smokiness, which can add depth to bourbon cocktails. However, use sparingly, as cedar can be quite potent.
How to Infuse Pine or Conifers Into Your Cocktail
Infusing pine or conifers into your cocktail is an excellent way to capture the essence of winter in every sip. There are several methods you can use to incorporate these fragrant evergreens into your drinks. Here are a few techniques to consider:
Pine-Infused Whiskey
Simply add a few sprigs of pine or your chosen conifer to a bottle of bourbon (or another spirit of your choice) and let it sit for a period of time. The length of infusion depends on your preference, but we recommend letting it sit for at least 24 hours. Strain the conifers before using the infused bourbon in your cocktails, and you’ll have a beautifully aromatic base ready to go.
Pine or Conifer Garnishes
For a more subtle infusion, you can use pine needles or sprigs of conifers as a garnish. Gently roll the sprigs between your fingers to release their oils, and place them in your cocktail for an added touch of aroma.
Conifer Smoke
For a truly unique twist, you can add a smoky conifer note to your cocktail by briefly smoking your glass or infusing the spirit with smoke. You can use a smoking gun or a wood chip smoker to achieve this, using pine, cedar, or fir wood chips or sprigs. The smoky aroma adds a mysterious and festive flair to your drink.
Pine-Infused Simple Syrups
Making an infused simple syrup with pine or conifers is another fantastic way to add evergreen notes to your drinks. This syrup is sweet, fragrant, and easy to incorporate into a variety of cocktails. You can use it as a sweetener or as the base for a complex flavor profile in your drinks.
How to Make Pine Syrup for Cocktails
Pine syrup is a delightful way to infuse the flavor of conifers into your cocktails while also adding a touch of sweetness. It’s easy to make at home and can be stored for weeks, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of Christmas all season long. Here’s how to make your own pine syrup:
- 16 oz water
- 10 oz granulated sugar
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh pine (or other conifers of your choice)
Rinse the pine needles (or other conifer needles) thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and pine needles. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the mixture become a syrup. Remove it from the heat and let the pine needles steep for an additional 10-15 minutes. Strain out the pine needles using a fine mesh strainer. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before transferring it into a bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to two weeks.
Fox & Oden Pine Stroll Cocktail
- 2 oz Fox & Oden Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz pine syrup (see recipe above)
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 2 lemon peels
- 1 oz soda water, to top
- Washed pine sprig, garnish
In a shaker without ice, add syrup, lemon peel, bitters, and whiskey. Briefly shake. Strain over an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Top with soda water. Garnish with lemon peel and rinsed pine sprig.
Whether in the woods, or at home, savor one of our whiskey based pine cocktails. Find our spirits at our tasting rooms or a retailer near you, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest from Fox & Oden.
