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Ingredients
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Soda Base
Pineapple-Pine Flavor Concentrate
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Soda Base
Make simple syrup
Combine 0.5 cup granulated sugar and 0.25 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes).
Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon salt into the cooled simple syrup to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
Pineapple-Pine Flavor Concentrate
Prepare flavor concentrate
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine 0.25 cup pineapple juice, 0.5 teaspoon pineapple extract, 1/8 teaspoon food-grade pine needle tincture (or a very small drop of pine extract), 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon citric acid. Whisk until fully blended. Taste carefully — the pine note should be noticeable but not bitter; adjust by adding a few drops more pineapple extract or reducing pine tincture if it tastes too resinous.
Add the prepared pineapple-pine concentrate to the cooled simple syrup and stir to incorporate thoroughly. This creates the flavored syrup that will be used to carbonate the soda.
Assemble Soda
Place 1 cup of ice into a large (about 16–20 oz) glass. Pour the flavored syrup mixture (all from previous steps) over the ice.
Slowly pour 2.5 cups chilled carbonated water over the syrup, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Stir gently once with a bar spoon or straw to combine (about 5 gentle strokes).
Taste and adjust: if you prefer sweeter soda, add up to 1 tablespoon additional simple syrup; for more brightness add 1/4 teaspoon more citric acid dissolved in a few drops of water. If the pine aroma is too faint, add another 1/16 teaspoon pine extract very carefully.
Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim and a small pine sprig tucked near the rim for aroma (do not ingest the pine sprig). Serve immediately.