Photo: Thomas J. Story
Reader and teacher Kristin Leong of Seattle came up with this drink during her bartending days. "The taste is bright and lush, like a forest lit with Christmas lights." If you want a stronger pine taste, add a drop or two of pine liqueur--but it's delightful just as it is.
How to Make It
Step 1
Put pine needles in a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, pound until very fragrant. Add lemon slices and a handful of ice. Finely crush, cupping cocktail shaker with hand to keep ice from flying. Add Chartreuse, cover, and shake vigorously about 30 seconds.
Step 2
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Strain cocktail into glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with pine sprig.