White Pine Cocktail

Written by Claudia

You have probably walked by one of our majestic white pine trees during the summer, or perhaps even stayed in Quail or Partridge, where the white pines tower over the cottages. Now loaded with heavy snow, this evergreen still stands out amongst all the other bare trees at The Tyler Place.

The White Pine is the tree of peace of the Iroquois Nation and holds similar status in some of the Algonquin speaking tribes. It was also employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its antiseptic and vulnerary qualities.

Once the English colonists arrived, the white pine became of major interest for the Royal Navy. Unlike hardwood, it can stand for years without cracking, and it bends rather than breaks, in high winds. It was the perfect tree to make masts for the Navy’s fleet.

After 1711, the King’s Mark branded old-growth New England white pines as the property of the King of England. A simple mark, three quick swings with an ax, one straight up and two in a V at the top, to make an arrow, claiming them on behalf of the British Royal Navy.

The inner bark and needles of our region’s conifers have a long history of medicinal use. Brewing a tea with pine needles can help with respiratory problems. Today, while snow is blowing, making for extreme frigid temperatures, I thought I share an “uplifting” recipe with you that will get your coniferous juices flowing , and will let our mind wander to remember and look forward to warm and sunny days spent by the lake.

Enjoy!
-Claudia

White Pine Cocktail

You need:
-juice of 1/2 lime
-some fresh pine needles
-Gin
-tonic water

Muddle lime juice and a teaspoon of fresh pine needles in bottom of a tumbler.
Add ice cubes and a good shot of gin.
Fill the rest of the glass with tonic water.
Let drink sit for a few minutes.
Remove loose pine needles with fork.
Top glass with a sprig of fresh pine and a slice of lime.

Cheers!