Infuse the Best Herbs of the Season With This Holiday Tree Cordial Recipe

We’re trading in our festive herbal simmer pots for a sippable version (which smells just as good!). If you’ve been searching for the perfect holiday cordial recipe, this one captures all the cozy, aromatic magic of your favorite holiday potpourri—now in a glass.

The Holiday Tree Cordial is a warming, spiced herbal infusion that tastes like the very essence of the season. Infused with fragrant evergreens, lively citrus, and comforting spices, this cordial embodies the heart of winter gatherings. It’s as beautiful to look at as it is to share: ruby red from the cranberries, flecked with bits of orange peel, and kissed with the golden sweetness of honey.

What is an Herbal Cordial?

A cordial, by definition, is an herbal drink made up of botanicals or fruit, sugar, water, and oftentimes, alcohol. Herbal cordials are made by infusing botanicals or fruit in alcohol and combining the mixture with honey or maple syrup. This produces a delicious herbal preparation with a long shelf life.  

Cordials like this one can be used to support wellness or simply lift your spirits during the cold winter months. You can drink them straight, over ice, add them to hot water to make a tea or herbal hot toddy, or mix them with your favorite sparkling water or beverage.

Holiday Cordial Ingredients and Benefits

Each ingredient in this cordial recipe contributes not only flavor but also to the festive aroma, vibrant color, and gentle wellness support that make this blend so special. Let’s take a quick look at each ingredient to discover the gentle herbal goodness it brings to this seasonal sip.

White Pine (Pinus strobus) Needle

Fresh and woodsy, white pine infuses this cordial with the scent of the forest while offering gentle respiratory and immune support. Traditionally used to ease coughs, congestion, and sore throats, its warming and expectorant qualities help open the lungs and move stagnation. The needles are rich in vitamin C (Durzan, 2009) and volatile oils, which help nourish the immune system and provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Energetically, pine is both grounding and uplifting, bringing a sense of calm and a breath of fresh air to the season.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Berry

Hawthorn offers support for both the physical and emotional heart. With anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent actions, hawthorn is regarded as a cardiac tonic. Its berries, leaves, and flowers help to support circulation, nourish the blood, and maintain healthy blood pressure. Hawthorn is also a gentle nervine, traditionally used to ease tension, grief, and emotional strain, and reminds us to stay both open-hearted and grounded during the winter season.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Fruit

Bright and tart, cranberries add a burst of color and tang while offering natural antioxidants and urinary tract support (though cranberries and cranberry juice need to be consumed in higher amounts and without the presence of sugar and alcohol to fend off oncoming urinary tract infections). Their lively flavor balances the warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the honey.

Orange (Citrus sinensis) Fruit

A symbol of sunshine in the cold months, orange adds sweetness and cheer. Its peel contains beneficial flavonoids and aromatic oils that aid digestion and bring a sense of brightness to the blend.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome

Spicy and warming, ginger stokes the digestive fire, promotes circulation, and helps chase away the chill of winter. With analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions, ginger brings a lively heat to this cordial, harmonizing beautifully with the coolness of pine and the sweetness of honey.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Bud

Warming and deeply aromatic, clove stimulates digestion and helps ease occasional sluggishness with its appetizing, carminative effects. It offers antimicrobial and antiviral support, while its circulatory and expectorant actions help warm the body and clear congestion. Its cozy aroma ties the blend together, making it a perfect addition to this seasonal cordial recipe.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) Bark

Sweet, spicy, and familiar, cinnamon helps balance blood sugar, stimulate circulation, and add that unmistakable holiday warmth. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it also supports digestive wellness, helping to ease bloating, gas, and sluggishness while gently invigorating the body. 

Star Anise (Illicium verum) Seed Pod

This beautiful, star-shaped spice brings warming qualities and a licorice-like aroma. Star anise provides antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral support, helping to promote healthy digestion and respiratory comfort. Its gentle sweetness and aromatic depth add harmony to the blend, making it a perfect finishing touch.

In Closing,

The Holiday Tree Cordial recipe captures everything we love about the season: aroma, flavor, warmth, and a touch of herbal goodness. It reminds us that herbalism can be both practical and celebratory. The same herbs that support the body’s winter needs (warming spices, heart-strengthening berries, and vitamin-rich evergreens) can also delight the senses and lift the spirit. Pour yourself a glass, breathe in the scent of pine and spice, and toast to comfort, joy, and a beautifully simple way to celebrate nature’s gifts.

REFERENCES

Durzan, D. (2009). Arginine, scurvy, and Cartier’s “tree of life.” Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 5, Article ID 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-5-5