Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree! Thy leaves belong in this cocktail, according to Woodinville's Herbfarm Restaurant.
The restaurant's Christmas Tree Champagne Cocktail calls for the edible needles of evergreen trees, which, the recipe says, "give it a forst-fresh, citrusy flavor."
"The branch tips of Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, and Noble Fir have the best flavor. During the holidays you can use trimmings from your Christmas tree," the recipe said.
Here's how you make the curious-sounding cocktail.
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The Herbfarm’s Christmas Tree Champagne Cocktail
INGREDIENTS (for syrup base)
2 cups sugar
2cups water?
Juice of one lemon?
2 packed-tight cups evergreen
DIRECTIONS
In a medium size pot, bring sugar and water to a boil. Add the evergreen needles, stir well, and bring back to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let steep for at least 45 minutes.
Strain out needles. Chill the base to refrigerator temperature.
To make the Christmas Tree Champange Cocktail, pour ½ ounce of the syrup base into a Champagne glass. Add one dash of bitters (optional) and fill glass with champagne or sparkling wine.
