Picture this: It’s a chilly December evening, the lights from the Christmas tree glowing softly, and you’re cozy with a festive drink in hand. 🎄 That’s the magic of the Christmas Tree Cocktail. This unique mix uses pine syrup and vodka, creating a drink that truly captures the spirit of the season. It’s like bringing a little piece of the outdoors into your glass.
Making this special drink is easier than you might think. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your friends or enjoy a quiet evening by the fire. The earthy taste of pine syrup blends perfectly with the smoothness of vodka.
I’m excited to share the recipe with you, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! 🍸 Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments or share your own holiday cocktail ideas. Let’s spread some festive cheer together!
Christmas Tree Cocktail (Pine Syrup & Vodka) Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: for mixing the drink.
- Measuring jigger (to get the right amounts)
- Strainer: Keeps unwanted bits out.
- Ice: to add the chill factor.
Ingredients
Here’s what I need for the drink:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pine syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Ice
For pine syrup, I can make it or find it in specialty stores. Pine syrup is the star here, so make sure it’s fresh and piney. Adding lemon juice gives it a refreshing zing.
Instructions
Let’s create this cocktail step by step:
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, pine syrup, and lemon juice.
- Mix well.
- Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- It blends the flavors nicely.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- The strainer ensures no ice chunks sneak through.
- Garnish, if desired.
- A rosemary sprig looks cute here.
Enjoy this festive drink with friends and family. The process is simple, making it a joy to prepare!
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
I absolutely love the taste of the Christmas Tree Cocktail! 🎄✨
- Flavor: The pine syrup adds a cool, woodsy flavor. It’s fresh and crisp. The vodka gives it a smooth kick that balances everything perfectly.
- Aroma: When I take a sip, the scent reminds me of a snowy forest. It’s like a holiday walk outdoors.
- Color: The cocktail has a light green tint. It looks so festive and inviting!
- Pairing: This drink goes great with gingerbread cookies or other holiday treats. 🍪
The mix of pine and vodka felt like I was sipping on a bit of winter magic. ❄️ It’s such a unique and fun drink to share with friends. Let me know if you try it and what you think! Cheers! 🥂
Substitute
Sometimes, I run out of ingredients or just want to mix things up. Here are some easy substitutes for the Christmas Tree Cocktail. 🎄🍸
Vodka Substitutes
- Gin: This gives a botanical kick, pairing nicely with pine syrup.
- White Rum: It’s sweet and blends well.
- Tequila: Try it for a more adventurous twist!
Pine Syrup Alternatives
Missing pine syrup? No worries! You can use:
- Rosemary Syrup: Boil water, sugar, and rosemary together for a quick fix.
- Herb Syrup Mix: Combine basil with a little mint for a refreshing blend.
Garnish Options
I love getting creative with garnishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Sprig of Mint: Adds a fresh burst.
- Cranberries: Perfect for a festive touch.
- Lemon or Lime Zest: Brightens up the drink.
Let me know what substitute you tried or if you have other ideas. Your input matters, and I’m excited to see your take on the cocktail. 🍹✨
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! ⬇️
Tips & Tricks
🎄 Making a Christmas Tree Cocktail can be a fun holiday activity. Here are some ideas I love:
- Pine Syrup Tips: Use fresh pine needles for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, dried needles can work but might be less aromatic.
- Vodka Choice: I usually pick a smooth vodka, so it blends well with the syrup. A high-quality vodka will make a noticeable difference.
✨ When mixing the drink, I like to shake it well with ice. This ensures everything is nicely chilled and mixed together.
- For a special touch, serve the cocktail in a glass rimmed with sugar. It adds a nice festive sparkle!
🍋 Add a little lemon juice for a fresh, tangy twist. It brightens up the flavor and balances the sweetness of the syrup.
- Garnish Ideas: A small sprig of rosemary can be a lovely garnish. It looks a bit like a mini Christmas tree and adds a subtle, earthy aroma.
🎉 Feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon or cloves to add a bit of cozy warmth.
I love sharing these tips with friends. It’s great to hear different variations everyone makes! What do you think? Share your ideas or questions in the comments below. Let’s chat! 😊
