Got around to a project I've been thinking about for a while: making a piney syrup with needles from the big spruce tree in my front yard.
Prepared with a bunch of Googling, concentrating on reassuring myself that the tree was properly identified. (Apparently some trees like spruce are great, but other similar-looking species like yews are toxic!)
step one: collect green branches, shake the dry needles off, bring inside and pluck.
step two: combine with sugar and water (I did 1:2:2).
step three: while stirring, bring to a boil for a bit, then cut the heat and let sit for a few hours
step four: strain through cheesecloth
step five: throw in a little vodka as a preservative.
Taste test is very appealing; now to figure out what kind of cocktails I can make with this. Open to suggestions!
