Douglas Fir Soda or Mojitos

Have you ever thought of using evergreen needles for drinks?? Not many people do but I urge you to give it a shot! Pine, Hemlock, Spruce, Fir.....all usable!  Douglas Fir has a wonderful almost citrus-y flavor so I thought it would be perfect for Mojitos!!


















Douglas Fir Simple Syrup:
2 cups Doug Fir Tips (the bright green tender shoots in the spring are the best, rinse well before using of course!)
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar







Bring water and sugar to a boil, simmer until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Place the tips in a quart jar, when the sugar water is done pour it immediately over the top. Stir and allow to cool. When it is cool, put on the lid and allow to steep for several hours, (1-3 for a pretty mild flavor, 3-6 for a medium , 6-12 for full flavor) giving it a shake every now and then.

Strain out the needles and you have your syrup.











If you just want a refreshing glass of soda , combine with club soda or seltzer and ice and enjoy!!! (play around with ratios of syrup to soda to find YOUR favorite!)

















For a Pitcher of Mojitos:

Juice of 12 Limes(about 2 cups juice)
1 batch Doug Fir Syrup
1-2 cups light rum -depending on your potency toleration ;)

Leaves of Fresh Mint
Ice
Club Soda or Seltzer



In a large pitcher combine the lime juice, batch of Doug fir syrup and rum. Shake well.
(you could muddle about 25 leaves and place them in the mix as well if you dont want to bother with adding mint to each, I kept it separate to allow everyone to adjust the mint to taste)



Muddle some mint in the bottom of a glass to release oils. Put in some ice and some of the mojito mix  and top with club soda (your ratios will vary for preference)

Enjoy!