Pine liqueur, also known as pine schnapps or pine geist, is an alcoholic beverage made from Swiss pine cones. It originates from Alpine regions and typically has an alcohol strength similar to other liqueurs.
How it is made
For pine liqueur, red juicy pine cones are collected manually from late June to mid-July. The cones are sliced into 3-5mm pieces and soaked in corn liquor for 5-6 weeks, with occasional shaking. The mixture undergoes maceration, resulting in a dark red liquid that is then filtered through cloth or a coffee filter. Sugar, candy, or honey is added to soften the bitter taste. For pine geist, the same process is followed but without adding sugar, instead using distillation.
How it is served
Pine liqueur is served after meals in Carinthia to aid digestion. It is also a favorite among mountaineers and is offered to tourists on the Zirbenweg trail in Tyrol. The liqueur is used in cocktails such as Branches In A River, Cedar Fever, Evergreen Swizzle, and the Campground's Gimlet.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Сосновый ликёр, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.