The Lighted Tree
Photo: Thomas J. Story
Reader and teacher Kristin Leong of Seattle came up with this drink during her bartending days. “The taste is bright and lush, like a forest lit with Christmas lights.” If you want a stronger pine taste, add a drop or two of pine liqueur–but it’s delightful just as it is.
This recipe, and others like it, can be found in the article “Yes, You Can (Seriously!) Eat a Conifer—Try These 5 Ways.”
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Put pine needles in a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, pound until very fragrant. Add lemon slices and a handful of ice. Finely crush, cupping cocktail shaker with hand to keep ice from flying. Add Chartreuse, cover, and shake vigorously about 30 seconds.
Step 2
2
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Strain cocktail into glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with pine sprig.
Ingredients
1 generous handful fresh, tender pine or fir needles, plus a small sprig
3 lemon slices
2 ounces Chartreuse liqueur
About 1/4 cup sparkling water
Directions
Step 1
1
Put pine needles in a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, pound until very fragrant. Add lemon slices and a handful of ice. Finely crush, cupping cocktail shaker with hand to keep ice from flying. Add Chartreuse, cover, and shake vigorously about 30 seconds.
Step 2
2
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Strain cocktail into glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with pine sprig.
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