Drink Your Christmas Tree: Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Holiday Evergreen

Keep things simple with infused water. This is an easy way to stay hydrated and subtly flavor your water with a hint of the tree’s aroma.

• Ingredients: Fresh pine needles, sliced citrus (orange or lemon), water
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse and chop a handful of fresh pine needles.
  2. In a large glass pitcher, combine the pine needles with a few slices of citrus (or herbs like rosemary for extra flavor).
  3. Fill with water and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

4. Pine Needle Smoothie:

Boost your green smoothies with the fresh, vibrant taste of pine needles.

• Ingredients: Fresh pine needles, frozen fruits (like mango, banana, or berries), almond milk or coconut water, honey (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse a handful of pine needles thoroughly.
  2. Add them to a blender along with your choice of frozen fruit, 1 cup of almond milk or coconut water, and honey if you want a sweeter taste.
  3. Blend until smooth, and enjoy a healthy, nutrient-packed smoothie with an unexpected twist of pine.

5. Christmas Tree Simple Syrup for Cocktails:

Take your favorite holiday cocktails to the next level with a homemade pine-infused simple syrup.

• Ingredients: Fresh pine needles, sugar, water
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse a handful of fresh pine needles and chop them slightly.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the chopped pine needles.
  3. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Let it cool, strain out the needles, and store the syrup in a glass jar.
  5. Use this in cocktails like gin and tonic, whiskey sours, or even mocktails for a festive flair.

6. Pine-Infused Vinegar:

Create a tangy, herbaceous vinegar that can be used in dressings, marinades, or as a flavor booster in savory dishes.

• Ingredients: Fresh pine needles, apple cider vinegar, glass jar
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse and chop a handful of fresh pine needles.
  2. Fill a glass jar with the chopped needles and cover them with apple cider vinegar.
  3. Let the mixture steep for 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place.
  4. Strain out the needles and transfer the vinegar to a sealed bottle.
  5. Use it to add a unique herbal kick to salads, roasted vegetables, or marinades.

7. Pine Needle Jelly:

For a fun twist, turn your Christmas tree into jelly! This jelly is aromatic and makes a beautiful gift or festive addition to your meals.

• Ingredients: Fresh pine needles, water, sugar, pectin
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse and chop fresh pine needles, then combine with 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer the needles for about 20 minutes to extract the flavor.
  3. Strain the needles, reserving the liquid, and measure how much you have.
  4. Add an equal amount of sugar and 1-2 tbsp of pectin to the liquid.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
  6. Pour into sterilized jars and let cool. Enjoy as a unique topping for toast or scones!

**8. Pine Needle Ice Cubes:

Add a refreshing twist to your drinks by freezing pine needle-infused water into ice cubes.

• Ingredients: Fresh pine needles, water
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse and chop a few fresh pine needles.
  2. Fill an ice cube tray with water and place 1-2 pine needles into each compartment.
  3. Freeze until solid and use these infused ice cubes to cool your water, lemonade, or cocktails.

Conclusion:
Your Christmas tree doesn’t have to be just a seasonal decoration—it can be repurposed into creative, flavorful drinks that are both unique and healthful. Whether you make tea, syrup, smoothies, or cocktails, these recipes help you get the most out of every part of your evergreen while adding a festive flair to your post-holiday routine. So, don’t let your tree go to waste—drink it, and enjoy!