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Pine Needle Soda

A nostalgic homemade soda that transforms foraged pine needles into a refreshing, citrusy, fizzy beverage.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Foraged, Homemade Soda
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

Main
  • Fresh pine needles 2 cups packed (harvested from pesticide-free trees)
  • Water 6 cups filtered or spring water
  • Sugar 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup freshly squeezed
  • Fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed
  • Honey 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • Citric acid 1/4 teaspoon
  • Ginger one 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thin
  • Sea salt a pinch for balancing
  • Carbonated water 2 to 3 cups for finishing

Equipment

  • Large pot for steeping
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Cheesecloth or coffee filter
  • Glass bottles with caps or swing-top bottles
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Thermometer (optional)
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Funnel for bottling
  • Carbonation system or seltzer maker

Method
 

  1. Harvest fresh, bright green pine needles from pesticide-free trees, avoiding any that smell moldy or look discolored. Gently rinse them under cool water and pat dry with paper towels to remove any dust or insects.
  2. Pour 6 cups of filtered water into a large pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Avoid a rolling boil to prevent bitterness.
  3. Add the 2 cups of packed pine needles to the simmering water and remove the pot from heat. Cover and let the mixture steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in the sliced ginger while the tea is still warm, allowing it to infuse alongside the pine flavor.
  5. Set a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl and pour the mixture through it, discarding the solids. For a clearer soda, strain again through cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
  6. While the pine infusion is still warm, whisk in the sugar, honey, lemon juice, and lime juice until the sugar dissolves completely.
  7. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, about 1 hour, then stir in the citric acid and a pinch of sea salt.
  8. Pour the cooled syrup into glass bottles, dividing it equally. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of carbonated water to each bottle and stir gently.
  9. Refrigerate the finished soda for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled over ice.

Notes

Serve chilled over ice, optionally garnished with a lemon slice or a pine sprig.