There is a shop near us in downtown Campbell, called Redemption, that sells locally made products. One of these is a Douglas Fir tea by Juniper Ridge. As well, I recently had the opportunity to have a gin-based cocktail that was made with Douglas Fir syrup at a restaurant near us called The Table (they have some nice craft cocktails on the menu). I figured I could make a simple syrup based on the tea, as opposed to going out and harvesting fir needles, so here is my take of a Douglas Fir syrup based cocktail. As the Douglas Fir is so aromatic, I didn't feel the need to add additional flavorings to the syrup.
Douglas Fir Tips Simple Syrup
Brew 1 cup double strength tea with the Douglas Fir Tips
Add 1 cup of the brewed tea and 1 cup of sugar to a small pot
Bring to a soft boil and simmer for 20 minutes
The Douglas Fir Sapsucker cocktail
In a shaker half filled with crushed ice add
- 1 oz of the Douglas Fir Tips simple syrup
- 1 1/2 oz of plain vodka (I used Skyy)
- 1 1/2 oz of dry gin (I used Bombay Sapphire East)
- 2 oz of fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice
Stir vigorously then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a spring of rosemary, a twist of Meyer lemon and a twist of lime.
Leftover simple syrup will store well in the refrigerator.
If you'd like to read about the birds, including the Sapsucker, that Douglas Fir trees support here's a good reference: http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/gtr285/
Cheers!
