Holiday Spruce Cocktail

Spruce-infused simple syrup combined with brandy and triple sec creates a beautifully aromatic holiday spruce cocktail that captures the essence of the winter season. With its refreshing citrus notes, pleasant evergreen aroma, and warm, cozy finish, this elegant drink is perfect for Christmas gatherings, festive dinners, or simply relaxing by the fireplace during the holidays.

Hello, folks – how are you doing?

I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for a new week. Also, can you believe that it’s mid-December already? And just a week left till the holidays?

Let’s toast to it! Luckily, I have a tasty cocktail I am going to share with you. So, let’s dive into this festive Holiday Spruce Cocktail.

Holiday Spruce Cocktail

Say what – a spruce-infused drink? Don’t worry, this recipe isn’t as unusual as it sounds. It’s a little unconventional, yes, but also wonderfully intriguing, refreshing, and perfectly seasonal.

If this idea surprises you, you might have missed my earlier Spruce Tea recipe – be sure to check it out! This cocktail builds on that same concept, taking it to a new, more sophisticated level by infusing a simple syrup with spruce. (Fir or pine needles work beautifully, too.) The resulting syrup has a bright, citrus-like flavour reminiscent of rosemary, pairing especially well with honey and citrus fruits such as orange and lemon.

In this holiday spruce cocktail, the spruce syrup and orange liqueur form the flavourful base, while brandy adds warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness. If you prefer a different spirit, try vodka, white rum, or whiskey – just choose one that isn’t overly sweet. You can even experiment with festive variations like cranberry-infused vodka for a playful seasonal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Holiday Spruce Cocktail

• Spruce-Infused Simple Syrup: The star of the cocktail – earthy, piney, and lightly sweet, evoking the aroma of a winter forest. You can use fresh young spruce tips or substitute with a few rosemary sprigs for a similar flavour profile.
  • Spruce (also pine or fir) tips, preferably young, light-green colour – rinsed.
  • Sugar.
  • Water.
• Brandy: Adds warmth, depth, and a smooth finish that complements the spruce notes beautifully.
• Triple Sec (or Orange Liqueur): Brings a bright, citrusy sweetness that balances the herbal and woody tones of the drink.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a refreshing tang and enhances the overall flavour balance.
• Ice: Essential for chilling and slightly diluting the cocktail, allowing the flavours to open up.
• Fresh Spruce Tip or Rosemary Sprig: A simple, festive garnish that adds visual appeal and enhances the aroma.
• Orange Peel or Slice (optional): A zesty garnish that highlights the citrus elements and adds a holiday touch.

More Festive Cocktails

Looking for more festive cocktail ideas just like this Holiday Spruce Cocktail? Be sure to check the recipes below:

• Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail
• Brandy Alexander
• White Christmas Cocktail
• White Chocolate Martini
• Cranberry Orange Brandy Cocktail

I’d love for you to try this Holiday Spruce Cocktail. If you give the recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Print

Spruce Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Holiday Drinks, CocktailsCuisine: Author’s Recipes

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Syrup

1

hour

A festive spruce-infused holiday cocktail with brandy and orange liqueur – perfect for your Christmas gathering.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• Spruce Syrup:

• a handful (25-35 gr.) of spruce (also pine or fir) tips, preferably young, light-green colour – rinsed

• 1 cup (240 ml.) water

• 1/2 (100 gr.) cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 tbsp. (7 ml.) lemon juice

• Spruce Cocktail:

• 2 oz. (60 ml.) brandy

• 1 oz. (30 ml.) triple sec

• 1 oz. (30 ml.) or more, to taste spruce syrup

• a handful of ice cubes

• lemon, optional

Directions

• Add the rinsed spruce tips to a small saucepan, along with the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Turn the heat off and
  let the syrup stay to steep for about 5-10 minutes then discard the tips. Cool completely then transfer to a container and refrigerate for up top one week.
• For the cocktail, in the shaker, combine the syrup, brandy, triple sec, and ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Try and adjust the flavour by adding more more alcohol or syrup. If it’s a bit too sweet to your liking, a few squeezes of lemon juice will help. Filter if desired or serve over the ice (serving with ice will make the drink lighter as the ice melts). Garnish as desired and enjoy!