Here’s an interesting one from an old friend in Denver, Brian K, who wrote this week –
You guys should try this Cranberry Pine Muddle, an old favorite of ours my wife’s family was making decades ago up in Minnesota. She drags it out after Thanksgiving every year and we end up making batches for all sorts of events (including a virgin version for family get-togethers).
Grab a big handful of clean pine needles for the pine syrup, it’s easy as pie to make and keeps in the fridge for weeks, though we never have a batch last more than a few days.
The fresh cranberries are a seasonal favorite and add a nice citrusy punch to this cocktail, and it’s just as good without the booze for those who for what ever reason don’t want to imbibe.
Hot damn, we’re big fans of cranberries around our camp as well. Cheers.
Pine Syrup
1/3 cup (generous) chopped fresh pine needles
1 cup water
1 cup sugarThe Cocktail
1 ounce Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce Pine syrup
15 Fresh cranberries
Dash Angostura bitters
1 ounce good Gin or Vodka
1/2 ounce lemon lime soda (NOT diet)Garnish: Fresh pine sprig, cranberries
Steep the Pine Syrup. Bring the water and sugar to a boil, stir until sugar dissolved. Stir in the chopped pine needles and remove from heat; steep at least 2 hours. Strain and store in the fridge.
Muddle time. Combine the fresh lemon juice, pine syrup, cranberries and bitters in your trust shaker; muddle the cranberries.
Add the booze and ice; shake, shake, shake until chilled.
Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass, top with the soda and garnish.
Enjoy.
