Northern Pine Needle-Infused Gin Cocktail
A refreshing cocktail featuring gin infused with pine needles, evoking the crisp aroma of northern forests. This cocktail & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 65 minutes brings together Gin, Fresh pine needles, freshly squeezed Lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 tbsp Fresh pine needles
- 1 oz freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Simple syrup
- 1 cup Ice cubes
- 1 for garnish Lemon twist
Instructions
- Step 1: In a clean jar, combine 2 oz gin with 1 tbsp fresh pine needles and let infuse at room temperature for 1 hour, shaking occasionally.
- Step 2: Strain the pine needles out of the gin using a fine mesh sieve.
- Step 3: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz pine needle-infused gin, 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, and 1 cup ice cubes.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 5: Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnish with 1 lemon twist for a bright citrus aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern Pine Needle-Infused Gin Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (65 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Northern Pine Needle-Infused Gin Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover northern pine needle-infused gin cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northern Pine Needle-Infused Gin Cocktail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Northern Pine Needle-Infused Gin Cocktail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Northern Pine Needle-Infused Gin Cocktail?
Cocktail & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
