Cocktails & Pine TEa
An Ancient Ingredient Made New
We celebrate the delicious journey of pine syrup from forest to glass. Pine Syrup has become a sought after ingredient in the world of cocktails, gaining popularity for its unique, aromatic compounds that add depth and complexity. Professional bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike are constantly seeking innovative ways to elevate their creations, and pine syrup, with its rich and distinctive taste, has become a go-to choice. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with various spirits, opening a world of creative possibilities.
Historically used in culinary traditions for its medicinal properties and robust flavor, pine syrup has been reimagined in the modern cocktail scene. Its dark, rich and slightly sweet tones bring a unique twist to classic and contemporary cocktails alike. Whether it's enhancing the botanical notes in a gin-based drink or adding a touch of forest-inspired aroma to a whiskey cocktail, pine syrup's contribution to the flavor profile is unmistakable.
At Big Bear Pine Syrup, we take pride in our artisanal process, which involves carefully harvesting pine sap and transforming it into a rich syrup that retains all the natural goodness of the forest. Our commitment to quality and sustainability means each bottle of our pine syrup is a celebration of nature's gifts and a tribute to the art of mixology.
Dive into the world of pine-infused cocktails and discover how our syrup can add an unforgettable dimension to your drinks. Taste the Wild in every sip!
Black Forest Old Fashioned
A Dark Twist on an Old Favourite
Tasting Notes: Cherry, Rye, Spice & Smoky Pine.
Syrup: Midnight Peak Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 0.25 oz Midnight Peak Pine Syrup
- 2 dashes cherry bitters
- 1 barspoon cherry liqueur
Instructions
- Stir with ice.
- Strain over large cube.
- Garnish: Cherry and orange twist.
- Glassware: Rocks
Big Bear Tip & Tonic
Get Wild With Our Tip & Tonic G&T!
Experience a refreshing twist on the classic Gin and Tonic with our Big Bear Tip & Tonic. The botanical nature of Gin and the brightness of lemon are a perfect match for our Kelowna Blend Pine Tip Syrup. Let's get started:
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Gin
- 0.50 ounce Pine Syrup
- 0.25 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 ounces tonic water
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice, ensuring it's chilled and ready to enhance the flavors of your drink.
- Pour 2 ounces of Gin into the glass, followed by 0.50 ounce of Pine Syrup and 0.25 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Give the mixture a gentle stir, ensuring the flavors are combined.
- Top off your Big Bear G&T with 4 ounces of tonic water, allowing it to add its signature effervescence.
- Raise your glass and say "Cheers" as you prepare to savor the unique flavors of this exquisite drink.
Enjoy the refreshing and harmonious blend of your favourite Gin, the aromatic essence of pine syrup, the tangy notes of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the sparkling allure of tonic water. The Big Bear G&T is a delightful choice for any occasion, allowing you to unwind and indulge in a moment of pure enjoyment. Cheers!
Evergreen Old Fashioned
Indulge in the Evergreen Old Fashioned
Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of the Evergreen Old Fashioned cocktail. This sophisticated drink combines the sweetness of Big Bear Pine Syrup with the robustness of Bourbon Whiskey and a touch of aromatic bitters. Follow these simple steps to create this exquisite libation:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 oz Big Bear Pine Syrup
- Aromatic bitters
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
Instructions:
- Begin by combining 3/4 oz of Big Bear Pine Syrup and a few dashes of aromatic bitters in the bottom of a rocks glass. This blend will infuse your cocktail with a delightful sweetness and complex undertones.
- Pour 2 oz of your preferred Bourbon Whiskey into the glass, allowing it to mingle with the pine syrup and bitters.
- Enhance the flavors and presentation by adding a large ice cube to the glass. This will slowly chill your drink without diluting it too quickly.
- For an extra special touch, garnish your Evergreen Old Fashioned with a clean, washed pine garnish. Consider freezing the garnish within an ice cube to elevate the visual appeal.
- Raise your glass and say "Cheers" as you prepare to savor the sophisticated and harmonious blend of flavors in this Evergreen Old Fashioned.
Let the combination of Big Bear Pine Syrup, aromatic bitters, and Bourbon Whiskey transport you to a world of refined indulgence. The Evergreen Old Fashioned is the perfect companion for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment. Cheers!
Honey Bourbon & Pear Cider Cocktail
Introducing the Honey Bourbon & Pear Cider Cocktail
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with the Honey Bourbon & Pear Cider Cocktail. This delightful concoction combines the richness of Honey Bourbon with the unique sweetness of Big Bear Pine Syrup, a splash of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and the refreshing effervescence of hard pear cider. Follow these simple steps to create this exquisite drink:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Honey Bourbon
- 0.75 oz Big Bear Pine Syrup
- 0.75 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 2.50 oz hard pear cider
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine all ingredients except for the hard pear cider.
- Shake vigorously to combine the flavors and chill the mixture.
- Pour the cocktail into a glass, allowing its enticing aroma to captivate your senses.
- Top the cocktail with 2.50 oz of hard pear cider, adding a refreshing and bubbly twist.
- Raise your glass and say "Cheers" as you prepare to indulge in the delightful blend of Honey Bourbon, Big Bear Pine Syrup, grapefruit juice, and pear cider.
Savor each sip of the Honey Bourbon & Pear Cider Cocktail, where the smoothness of the bourbon meets the sweet and aromatic notes of pine syrup, complemented by the zesty grapefruit juice and the crispness of the pear cider. This cocktail is the epitome of elegance and taste. Cheers!
Winter Negroni
Introducing the Winter Negroni
Embrace the spirit of winter with the tantalizing Winter Negroni. This sophisticated cocktail combines the classic flavors of Campari, sweet vermouth, and London Dry Gin, enhanced by the delightful twist of Big Bear Pine Syrup. Served over ice and garnished with two cloves and a cinnamon stick, this cocktail is a true delight for the senses. Follow these simple steps to create this exquisite drink:
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ oz Campari
- 1 ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 ¾ oz Your Favorite London Dry Gin
- ¾ oz Big Bear Pine Syrup
- Ice to serve
- Two whole cloves
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, vigorously shake together the Campari, vermouth, gin, and pine simple syrup. Allow the flavors to meld and intertwine.
- Pour the mixture over ice, creating a refreshing and chilled base for your Winter Negroni.
- To add a touch of elegance and aromatic allure, garnish the cocktail with two cloves. These will infuse the drink with subtle warmth and complexity.
- For an additional visual and sensory experience, consider adding a cinnamon stick as a stirring tool. As you gently swirl the cocktail, the cinnamon will release its fragrant essence, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
Savor each sip of the Winter Negroni as the harmonious blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, London Dry Gin, and Big Bear Pine Syrup dances on your palate. The bittersweet notes of the Campari are beautifully balanced by the rich sweetness of the vermouth and pine syrup, creating a truly captivating flavor profile. Cheers to winter and the indulgence it brings!
Alpine Spritz
A Vibrant Twist On The Classic Spritz
The key to a great spritz is balancing the bitter, sweet, and bubbly components, and this recipe delivers.
Ingredients:
- Prosecco: 3 oz
- Aperol: 2 oz
- Big Bear Pine Syrup: ½ oz
- Club Soda: A splash
- Ice: As needed
- Garnish: Orange slice and a pine sprig"
Equipment:
- Wine glass or spritz glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon or stirrer
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a wine or spritz glass with ice cubes. The ice should come near the top of the glass, as the spritz is typically served very cold.
- Add Aperol: Pour 2 oz of Aperol over the ice. Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a slightly bitter, yet sweet flavor and a vibrant orange color.
- Add Pine Syrup: Add ½ oz of pine syrup to the glass.
- Add Prosecco: Gently pour 3 oz of Prosecco into the glass. Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, adds a fizzy and light alcoholic base to the drink.
- Top with Club Soda: Add a splash of club soda. This not only adds more fizz but also dilutes the drink slightly, making it more refreshing.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture. This helps to integrate all the ingredients while maintaining the carbonation.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of orange for a citrusy aroma and a sprig of pine for an alpine touch.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Alpine Spritz immediately to enjoy its bubbly, refreshing, and slightly herbal flavor.
Tips:
- Prosecco Temperature: Ensure the Prosecco is well chilled before use. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
- Balance of Flavors: Adjust the quantities of Aperol, pine syrup, and club soda to suit your taste.
Enjoy your Alpine Spritz, a perfect cocktail for a relaxing afternoon or a social gathering, offering a delightful blend of Italian tradition with a hint of alpine freshness!
Mountain Breeze Highball
Introducing the Mountain Breeze Highball
Ingredients:
- Vodka: 1.5 oz
- Big Bear Pine Syrup: 0.5 oz
- Fresh Lime Juice: 0.5 oz
- Soda Water: To top up
- Ice: As needed
- Garnish: Lime wheel or a pine sprig
Equipment:
- Highball glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Strainer
- Stirring spoon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
- Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1.5 oz of vodka, 0.5 oz of pine syrup, and 0.5 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice. Pine syrup can be made by simmering pine needles in a mixture of sugar and water until it forms a syrup.
- Shake: Add ice to the shaker until it is about halfway full. Secure the lid and shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This helps to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass filled with ice. The straining process ensures a smooth drink without any small ice chips.
- Top with Soda Water: Gently top the glass with soda water. Pour it slowly to maintain its fizz and to avoid mixing out the carbonation.
- Garnish: Garnish the drink with a lime wheel for a citrusy aroma and a splash of color. Alternatively, a small sprig of pine can add to the mountain breeze theme.
- Stir Gently: Use a stirring spoon to gently mix the soda water with the rest of the drink. This helps to integrate the flavors without losing carbonation.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the drink immediately to enjoy the crisp and refreshing taste.
Tips:
- Quality of Vodka: Choose a smooth, high-quality vodka for the best taste.
- Adjust to Taste: You can adjust the amount of pine syrup and lime juice based on your preference. More lime juice adds tartness, while more pine syrup will sweeten the drink.
Enjoy your Mountain Breeze Highball, a perfect drink for a refreshing and invigorating sip!
Pine Forest Martini
The Classic Martini with an Alpine Twist!
Ingredients:
- Gin: 2 oz
- Dry Vermouth: 1 oz
- Big Bear Pine Syrup: ½ oz
- Orange Bitters: A dash
- Ice: As needed
- Garnish: A small pine twig or orange peel
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Strainer
- Cocktail stirrer or spoon
Instructions:
- Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling your martini glass. You can do this by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of dry vermouth, ½ oz of pine syrup, and a dash of orange bitters.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice, enough to cool the mixture but not too much to dilute it excessively.
- Shake or Stir: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds if you prefer a slightly aerated and chilled drink. If you like a smoother texture, gently stir the mixture instead for about 20 seconds.
- Strain: Remove the ice from your martini glass if you had used it for chilling. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, ensuring no ice chips make their way into the drink.
- Garnish: Garnish your martini with a small pine twig for an authentic pine forest feel. Alternatively, a twist of orange peel can add an extra hint of citrus aroma.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Pine Forest Martini immediately to enjoy its crisp and refreshing flavors.
Tips:
- Quality of Ingredients: Use a good quality gin as it's the base spirit of the drink. The better the gin, the better the martini.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the proportions of vermouth and pine syrup according to your taste. More vermouth will make the drink drier, while more pine syrup will enhance the pine flavor.
Enjoy your Pine Forest Martini with its unique blend of gin, vermouth, and the distinctive flavors of pine and orange. Bottoms up!
Highland smoke sour
My Heart Is In The Highlands
Tasting Notes: Bold smoky whiskey sour with pine and citrus.
Syrup: Midnight Peak Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 oz peated Scotch
- 0.5 oz Midnight Peak Pine Syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
Instructions
- Dry shake.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain into coupe.
- Garnish charred rosemary.
- Glassware: Coupe
Fireside Flip
The Perfect "Cozy Night In"
Tasting Notes: Creamy coffee-smoke dessert cocktail.
Syrup: Midnight Peak Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.5 oz Midnight Peak Pine Syrup
- 1 whole egg
Instructions
- Dry shake.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain into coupe.
- Garnish: Fresh Grated Nutmeg.
- Glassware: Coupe
Pine & Bloom Fizz
Citrus & Floral with a delightful hint of pine!
Tasting Notes: Floral citrus highball.
Syrup: Kelowna Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz your favourite Gin
- 0.5 oz Kelowna Pine Syrup
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- Soda water
Instructions
- Shake first four.
- Strain over ice.
- Top with soda.
- Glassware: Highball.
- Garnish: Lemon wheel and/or Pine Sprig.
Alpine Margarita
Summers at the Lake
Tasting Notes: Citrus margarita with forest lift.
Syrup: Kelowna Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 oz Your favourite tequila
- 0.5 oz Kelowna Pine Syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.25 oz triple sec
Instructions
- Shake.
- Salt glass rim.
- Strain over ice.
- Garnish: Lime Wheel, Fresh Pine Sprig.
- Glassware: Rocks
Black Currant Boulevardier
Refined, Elegant & Perfectly Balanced
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, bittersweet.
Syrup: Banff Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 oz Quality Bourbon
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 0.25 oz Banff Blend Pine Syrup
Instructions
- Combine & Stir all ingredients.
- Strain over ice.
- Garnish: orange peel.
- Glassware: Rocks
apricot & honey smash
Banff Blend & Apricot - The Taste of Summer!
Tasting Notes: Apricot, mint, honeyed pine.
Syrup: Banff Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 oz Your Favourite Light Rum.
- 0.5 oz Banff Blend Pine Syrup
- 0.5 oz Apricot Liquer
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Muddle mint and syrup together.
- Add spirits.
- Shake.
- Strain over crushed ice.
- Glassware: Rocks
- Garnish: Mint sprig
Winter Market Mulled Wine
Refined, Elegant & Perfectly Balanced
Tasting Notes: Warm spiced wine.
Syrup: Banff Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients
- 5 oz Red Wine
- 1 oz Reputable Brandy
- 0.5 oz Banff Blend Pine Syrup
- 2 oz Apple Cider
- Cinnamon stick
- Orange Slices
- Cloves (To Taste)
- Star anise (To Taste)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Heat gently.
- Strain.
- Serve warm.
- Glassware: Mug
- Garnish: Orange slice studded with cloves
Big Bear Tiki Punch
Tropical Flair in the Mountain Air!
Tasting Notes:
Tropical flavours with an Alpine twist!. Bright pineapple and lime are balanced by layered rums and lifted with pine syrup. Use Kelowna Blend for brighter citrus lift or Banff Blend for darker, spiced depth.
Syrup: Kelowna Blend or Banff Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 oz aged rum
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 0.75 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz Pine Syrup (Kelowna or Banff)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain over crushed ice in a tiki mug or tall glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a mint sprig.
Glassware: Tiki mug or highball
Garnish: Pineapple wedge, mint sprig
Espresso Pine Martini
Coffee & Banff Blend Paired Perfectly
Tasting Notes:
A bold, aromatic espresso martini with a forest twist. Rich coffee and vanilla notes are layered with pine sweetness. Use Midnight Peak for intense smoke and dark roast depth, or Banff Blend for a rounder profile with subtle fruit and treacle notes.
Syrup: Midnight Peak or Banff Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh espresso (or strong cold brew)
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.25 oz Pine Syrup (Midnight Peak or Banff)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
Glassware: Martini glass
Garnish: Three coffee beans
Spruce Collins
Tasting Notes:
Crisp, clean and sparkling. Bright lemon and gin are lifted by pine sweetness. Use Kelowna Blend for fresh citrus-pine notes, or Banff Blend for deeper herbal complexity.
Syrup: Kelowna Blend or Banff Blend Pine Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz Pine Syrup (Kelowna or Banff)
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz soda water
Instructions:
- Add gin, pine syrup, and lemon juice to a highball glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with soda water and give a brief stir.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a fresh pine tip.
Glassware: Highball
Garnish: Lemon wheel, fresh pine tip
Pine Sap Tea
Aromatic Pine Sap Tea: A Soothing Sip
Discover the ancient tradition of Pine Sap Tea with our delightful recipe. This soothing beverage offers a unique blend of flavors and potential health benefits. Here's how to prepare this aromatic tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried pine sap
- Big Bear Pine Syrup (to taste)
Instructions:
- Begin by boiling water in a pot and adding the dried pine sap, allowing it to infuse the water with its natural essence.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the mixture steep for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the pine sap to dissolve and release its aromatic properties.
- Once the simmering is complete, remove the pot from the heat and strain the tea to remove any solids, ensuring a smooth and comforting beverage.
- Sweeten the tea with Big Bear Pine Syrup, adding it to taste, and stir gently until the desired level of sweetness is achieved.
- Serve this soothing and aromatic Pine Sap Tea hot, allowing the comforting flavors to envelop your senses and provide a moment of relaxation and tranquility.
Note: Pine Sap Tea may not be as well-known as other herbal teas, but its traditional use and potential benefits have been recognized for centuries. This tea is rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and manganese. It also contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and support overall well-being. Pine Sap Tea has a long-standing reputation for supporting respiratory health, alleviating cough and cold symptoms, and promoting clear airways. Furthermore, it has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and mental clarity, making it an ideal choice for stress relief.
Please note that while Pine Sap Tea may offer potential benefits, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is essential to correctly identify the species of pine when sourcing pine sap, as some varieties can be toxic if ingested.
These recipes offer a glimpse into the creative possibilities of incorporating Big Bear Pine Syrup into your bar! Feel free to experiment with the quantities of Pine Syrup based on your taste preferences and get creative! Enjoy the unique flavors and aromas that Pine Syrup brings to your dishes and beverages, and savor the natural wonders of this delightful ingredient.