My fridge runs a rotating stock of simple syrups all winter (that’s the understatement of the year if you saw my fridge and freezer), and mint and pine needles are both usually in there, so combining was simple when I was playing with winter spritz cocktail recipes.

Pine always takes me back to summers at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. As soon as we hit the side road to our little rental, I roll down the windows and that dry pine smell rolls in before we even see the water. Even when it’s cloudy and dull in winter, I can bring myself back to hot summer days on the lake.

Why Mint and Pine Work Together

Ok, so why do mint simple syrup and pine needle simple syrup work well in a winter cocktail? Mint is cool and bright (like the weather). Pine is earthy with soft citrus undertones (like we want our homes to smell around the holidays). In a gin cocktail, they layer into a spritz that gives me the best of the season.

These two syrups are quick to make, but the mint syrup will be stronger than the pine syrup, so keep an eye on both as you steep them and use each in cocktail recipes.

For gin, juniper-forward styles will lean more heavily into the pine, while citrus-driven gins will put the mint out front and mask more of the pine.

How to Make the Simple Syrups

Both syrups come together in about 10 minutes and keep in the fridge for up to a week. I freeze mine in small batches, so I always have them when I need them, especially the pine needle syrup, since fresh needles aren’t always easy to find locally, although pine needle tea works just as well.

Store them in 4 oz glass mason jars fridge or freezer, or make ice cubes in these silicone ice cube trays for longer storage.

Mint Simple Syrup

I grow spearmint specifically for cocktail recipes, and I use a LOT of it (if I can get to it before the weird moths that like to eat it). Mint has a clean, slightly sweet flavor with no harsh menthol edge. If you want to grow your own, keep it in a pot.

DO NOT PUT IT IN THE GROUND! It will take over your entire garden if you plant it in the ground.

Full recipe: Mint Simple Syrup

Pine Needle Simple Syrup

I buy my pine needles rather than foraging, because I’m pretty terrified of poisoning myself. If you go the foraging route, use only edible pine varieties and avoid anything from a Christmas tree, which may have been treated with pesticides or fertilizers.

Important note: some people have allergic reactions to pine needle syrup. It’s not common, but it happens. Always taste a small amount of the finished pine needle simple syrup before adding it to a drink. If you sneeze around Christmas trees, that’s a sign you may react.

The flavor is lighter than I thought it would be the first time I made it. It has an earthy flavor with soft citrus undertones, and is definitely more of a background taste.

Full recipe: Pine Needle Simple Syrup

How to Garnish

A fresh mint leaf and a small pine sprig are the best garnishes for this spritz. You smell both before you take your first sip, which enhances the flavor quite a bit.

For clean cuts and easy garnish work, I use a channeling knife and citrus peeler. I use both regularly in my kitchen and bar.

More cocktail garnish ideas on the site if you want to go further.

Optional: Coconut Water Twist

You can add a small splash of coconut water before topping with sparkling wine if you have it on hand. It softens the pine slightly, adds a faint natural sweetness, and nudges the drink in a slightly warmer, less wintry direction.

Skip it if you want the full woodsy version, though.

Mocktail Version

All you need to do is pour mint syrup and pine syrup over ice, then top it with sparkling water. You can add a squeeze of lime for some acidity.

You don’t need alcohol to make a great spritz, but if you want that botanical gin layer, a non-alcoholic gin is a good substitute.

Glassware and Tools

I make this in a wine glass or champagne flute, but a coupe or highball glass also works depending on what you have at home.

You will want a Boston shaker in your home bar setup, too, for a cleaner shake and better dilution.

Everything I use at my home bar is in my Amazon shop if you want to browse.

More Cocktails That Use Mint Simple Syrup

• Mint Gin Sour — 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz lemon juice, 0.5 oz mint simple syrup, shaken and strained into a coupe
• Mint Lemonade Vodka — 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz mint simple syrup, fresh lemonade over ice in a highball glass
• Strawberry Mint Mojito — 2 oz vodka or rum, 0.75 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz mint simple syrup, fresh strawberries
• Orange Blossom Mojito
• Mint & Pine Snowfall Spritz

More Cocktails That Use Pine Needle Simple Syrup

• Pine Needle Whiskey Sour
• Elderflower Pin Spritz
• Snowy Orchard Spritz
• Cocktail Recipes That Use Pine Needle Simple Syrup
• Pine Needle Whiskey Sour
• Elderflower Pin Spritz
• Snowy Orchard Spritz
• Mint and Pine Snowfall Spritz
• Evergreen Martini
• Forest Gimlet
• Nordic Blackberry Bramble
• Evergreen Martini
• Forest Gimlet
• Nordic Blackberry Bramble

Mint & Pine Snowfall Spritz Recipe

Glass: Wine glass, coupe, or highball

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 0.5 oz mint simple syrup
• 0.5 oz pine needle simple syrup
• 2 oz sparkling wine or sparkling water
• Ice
• Garnish: fresh mint leaf and small pine sprig

Instructions

1. Combine gin, mint syrup, and pine syrup in a Boston shaker.
2. Add ice and shake for about 10 seconds.
3. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into your glass.
4. Top with sparkling wine or sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf and a small pine sprig.

Twist: Add a small splash of coconut water before topping with sparkling wine.

Mocktail: Mint syrup and pine syrup over ice, topped with sparkling water. Add a squeeze of lime if you want.