Drinking The World

The other day I told you about Lydia Reismueller, shaking up a storm of cocktails. Here is one of her creations that I found both very unusual, and tasty. Unusual because she infuses young conifer tips into neutral spirits to get a fresh, piney taste and aroma, like walking through a pine woods in spring; then uses her own citrus syrup as the sweetener.

Forester Fizz created by Lydia Reismueller

2 oz Conifer-infused 190 proof neutral spirit
3/4 oz lime juice
3/4 oz citrus syrup
1-1/2 oz club soda
Knotted pine needle garnish

Shake all ingredients except soda over ice, and pour into a highball glass (including ice in shaker). Top with club soda and garnish with a knotted pine needle.

Conifer Infusion: Snip or pluck about 1/2 pound of the soft, bright green, new growth, from the tips of the branches on as many types of Conifers (Pine and Fir Trees) as you have available. Rinse the tips in cold water and let dry in a colander. Gently bruise the needles to emit their oil and immediately place a ½ gallon to one gallon size sealed jar with750 ml of 190 proof neutral spirits (if you can’t find neutral spirits in your area use 100 proof vodka.) Let stand for 3 days, gently shaking once a day, then strain and bottle.

Citrus Syrup: Bring two cups of water to a boil, add one cup of dark brown sugar, and one cup of light brown sugar. Turn down heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves and it turns clear. Add the citrus zest and turn off the heat, stir a few times and let cool. When I zest citrus I slice the zest thinly, to get as little of the bitter white pith as possible.