Fir Tip Infused Vodka

It’s a glorious taste of the Pacific Northwest with a rain forest foundation, and undertones of evergreen and pitch. Sipped solo no chaser, or used for special cocktails, this fir tip infused vodka is not only delicious, but the spring walk in the woods to gather the tips is a delightful part of the process. Make this in the spring when the tips emerge and let it steep until November, then place it in pretty bottles and you have a distinctive gift for the holidays!

Be sure to pick only the tender bright green tips, no woody stems, it will be only an inch or two. Judicious plucking will not harm the tree. You can also use spruce tips for this recipe.

What you will need:

• 1 lightly packed cup fir tips, rinsed and patted dry

• 1 liter of vodka

• Coffee filter and funnel

Place the tips and vodka in a blender and blend for about a minute to thoroughly pulverize the tips. Pour the mixed vodka into a clean quart jar and screw on a lid. Allow to steep anywhere from one to six months, shaking the mixture occasionally when you think of it. When ready to decant, place the filter in the funnel and pour the vodka mix in and allow to drain into a clean bottle.