The Enchantment of Birch Syrup

Minnesota, a land of striking natural beauty, boasts an array of natural resources, such as its verdant boreal forests. While most people are well-acquainted with maple syrup, a hidden treasure from the sap of birch trees still waits to be discovered by most—birch syrup.

A Rhapsody of Flavor: Birch Syrup's Unique Profile

Birch syrup is a rare and versatile ingredient, cherished for centuries across the northern hemisphere, from Russia and Scandinavia to Canada and the Midwest. Although the world has long celebrated maple syrup, birch syrup remains a lesser-known delight that offers a symphony of flavors, from an earthy undertone to a caramel-like sweetness, and even a bit of funk.

Minnesota's Brief and Enchanting Harvest Season

In late March to early April, the birch tree sap begins its annual flow, presenting a fleeting opportunity for harvest. As temperatures rise and the snow recedes, the trees awaken and their lifeblood courses beneath their papery bark, signaling the perfect moment for tapping. The sap is collected and meticulously boiled down to produce birch syrup, which requires a significant amount of sap compared to maple syrup due to its higher water content. In total, it takes about 100 gallons of birch sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. The resulting syrup boasts a deep amber hue and an intricate flavor profile, mingling sweetness with earthy undertones, a touch of tang, some funk, and a caramel-like finish.

Birch Syrup's Culinary Potential

As a versatile ingredient, birch syrup finds its way into a variety of dishes. Dare to drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream as an alternative to maple syrup, or use it to concoct glazes and marinades for meats such as salmon, pork, and chicken. Birch syrup can also lend a molasses-like sweetness to baked goods like cookies and cakes, or provide a flavorful twist in dressings and sauces.

In recent years, birch syrup has found a home in the world of mixology. Mostly used with bourbon, it also pairs well with gin. Two such creations listed below are the Birch Gin Fizz, a chocolately milkshake-like cocktail, and the Birch Blossom, a refreshing and subtly sweet cocktail with floral notes.

Birch Gin Fizz

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 1/4 oz birch syrup

  • 1/2 oz simple syrup

  • 1/2 oz heavy cream

  • 1 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 1 egg white (or 1 oz pasteurized liquid egg white)

  • 4 oz club soda

  • Ice

  • Lime wheel and fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker without ice, combine the gin, birch syrup, simple syrup, heavy cream, lemon juice, and egg white. Perform a "dry shake" (shaking without ice) for about 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.

  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled.

  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled highball or Collins glass.

  4. Top off the glass with club soda.

  5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint.

Birch Blossom

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 1/4 oz birch syrup

  • 1/4 oz simple syrup

  • 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)

  • 1/2 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • Ice

  • Lemon twist and edible flowers for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, birch syrup, simple syrup, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice.

  2. Shake the mixture well, for about 10-15 seconds, until it's chilled and well combined.

  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

  4. Garnish with a lemon twist and edible flowers, such as violets or nasturtiums.

The Birch Blossom offers a delightful combination of gin, birch syrup, and elderflower liqueur, resulting in a refreshing and subtly sweet cocktail with floral notes. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness to balance out the flavors.

Cheers!

Birch syrup, a true hidden treasure within Minnesota's forests, offers a dynamic taste that complements both sweet and savory dishes, as well as cocktails. If you're seeking a special ingredient to elevate your cocktail ventures, birch syrup might be the answer. And when you're ready to unwind, mix up a Birch Gin Fizz or Birch Blossom cocktail to savor the sublime interplay of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors.

Cocktail Recipes, Forage Forward CocktailsBrock BerglundForage, Birch, Birch Syrup, Gin, VodkaComment