Holiday Spruce Cocktail made with spruce-infused syrup, brandy, and orange liqueur — a festive winter drink served with a spruce sprig and orange twist.

Fragrant, elegant, and wonderfully seasonal – this Festive Spruce Holiday Cocktail captures the essence of winter forests in a glass. The earthy, piney notes of homemade spruce syrup pair beautifully with citrus and brandy, creating a cocktail that’s fresh, aromatic, and perfect for the holidays.

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Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

If you’re looking for something truly unique this season, this festive spruce holiday cocktail is a must-try. It’s sophisticated but simple, balancing the warmth of brandy with the bright freshness of spruce and a hint of citrus. The result is a drink that feels like a walk through a winter forest – cozy, crisp, and unmistakably festive.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Spruce Holiday Cocktail

Beautifully aromatic: Spruce syrup brings an incredible forest scent and flavour, unlike any other holiday cocktail.
Perfectly festive: A drink that feels wintry and refined – ideal for Christmas gatherings or cozy evenings.
Surprisingly simple: With just a few ingredients, you can create an elegant cocktail that impresses.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or intensity by varying the amount of spruce syrup.

Festive Spruce Holiday Cocktail: Flavour Profile

This festive spruce holiday cocktail tastes like the holidays distilled into a single glass. It’s smooth yet vibrant, with the natural pine and citrus aromas creating a refreshing balance against the warmth of brandy. The spruce syrup lends a subtle earthiness that makes the drink feel both festive and sophisticated. It’s an elegant, forest-inspired cocktail that truly stands out from the usual holiday lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

Spruce syrup:
- A handful (25–35 g) of young spruce, pine, or fir tips (light-green, rinsed).
- water.
- granulated sugar.
- lemon juice.

To make the syrup, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and let it infuse for at least 1 hour, then strain. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Brandy: Adds warmth and depth. Its smooth, rich profile balances the earthy spruce beautifully.

Triple sec: Provides a burst of bright citrus that lightens the drink and complements the pine notes.

Spruce syrup: Adds a sweet, resinous forest aroma. Adjust the amount depending on how bold you want the flavour.

Ice: Cools and slightly dilutes the cocktail for a perfectly smooth sip.

Lemon (optional): A small wedge or twist brightens the flavour and enhances the aroma.

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.

How to Make Spruce Syrup

Add the rinsed spruce tips to a small saucepan along with the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to steep for another 5–10 minutes to fully infuse the flavour. Strain out and discard the spruce tips. Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

More Festive Cocktails

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

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!

Top view of a festive spruce holiday cocktail in a coupe glass, garnished with rosemary and a cranberry, placed on a blue plate decorated with spruce branches, pinecones, and holiday ornaments.