Sungrae Choi, bartender at Seoul Salon, explains that pine is a touchstone of Korean culture, representing sincerity and tenacity (as an evergreen would). Koreans often embark on therapeutic “forest baths” to reconvene with nature, Choi says, and this cocktail is intended to evoke that sensation through its pine cordial. “I wanted to bring that pine flavor to the bar, so people can drink the cocktail and understand that part of Seoul.”
Seoul Forest
Sungrae Choi | New York City
Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 1/2 ounces pine cordial (see Editor’s Note)
- 1 ounce gin, preferably Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru
- 1/2 ounce Damsoul pine soju
- 3/4 extra-dry prosecco
Directions
- Combine all ingredients except prosecco in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake briefly.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube, then top with prosecco.
- Garnish with an herb bouquet.
Editor's Note
Pine Cordial
400 grams simple syrup
320 grams water
76 grams lemon juice
22.5 grams orris root
16 grams angelica root
16 grams citric acid
15 grams dried pine buds
2 bags pine needle tea
If using a sous vide machine, set it to 65°C (149°F). Put all ingredients into a vacuum-seal bag and place in the prepared water bath. Cook sous-vide for 3 hours. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat and let cook for 3 hours (do not allow to boil). Pass the mixture through a coffee filter, then bottle.