Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in the sliced ginger while the tea is still warm, allowing it to infuse alongside the pine flavor.
- 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.
- While the pine infusion is still warm, whisk in the sugar, honey, lemon juice, and lime juice until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, about 1 hour, then stir in the citric acid and a pinch of sea salt.
- 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.
- 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.
