Festive Cranberry & Pine Needle Sprite
A naturally fermented, non-alcoholic “sprite-like” drink made using wild yeasts from fresh pine needles. Light, citrusy, and wonderfully fizzy, this festive variation adds whole cranberries after fermentation for a bright seasonal pop without affecting clarity or flavour! Important Safety Note - Some varieties of pine and evergreen trees are toxic to humans. Only use needles from known safe species - please research the varieties in your local area carefully before foraging. Pregnant people should avoid pine-needle drinks. If in doubt, leave it out!
Takes 7 days 10 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 large handfuls about 60 g fresh pine needles (about 2 cups loosely packed)
- 45 g white sugar 3 tablespoons
- Cold water to fill
- 8 –10 whole fresh cranberries added after fermentation
- Lemon and lime slices to serve
Instructions
- Clean and prep the ingredients: Sterilise your 1-litre bottle. Rinse the pine needles thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
- Set up the ferment: Fill one-third of the bottle with the clean pine needles. Add 45 g (3 tbsp) white sugar. Top up with cold water, leaving 2–3 cm of headspace for carbonation.
- Ferment (7 days): Seal the bottle and leave at room temperature (around 20°C) for 3 days. Each day, briefly open the lid to release gas (“burping”), then reseal. Continue fermenting for another 4 days until lightly fizzy. Taste as it ferments The longer it goes, the more acidic it becomes. Once you’re happy with the flavour and carbonation, transfer to the fridge to slow fermentation. If it tastes too acidic, add a little sweetener to balance.
- Add festive cranberries (after fermentation): Open the bottle and add 8–10 whole cranberries. Reseal and refrigerate to keep the drink crisp and clear. The cranberries will float beautifully without affecting carbonation.
- Serve: Pour into glasses with lemon and lime slices. Enjoy immediately or within 3–4 days for best fizz.