Mugolio Origin and History Mugolio is a traditional pine cone syrup with roots in the Alpine and Dolomite communities of Italy. Families and producers in these high mountain zones make it from young, Pinus Mugo green cones that release aromatic sap during a slow maceration with sugar. The result is a dark, glossy syrup with deep forest notes and complex flavours that fit into both savoury and sweet cooking, as well as modern bar cocktails and mocktails.
For generations, households gathered soft, green cones each early Summer and layered them with sugar in glass jars. Sunlight and time drew sap and moisture from the cones and after maceration, the liquid was strained and gently heated and finally bottled. The syrup was used to flavour simple dishes and warm drinks, and it served as a Winter pantry staple when fresh produce was limited.
Production of Mugolio centres around Alpine Italy but similar practices and syrups appear in other conifer-rich regions in Europe such as Finland and Romania, although methods and tree species can differ.
The classic tree for making Mugolio is the mugo pine (Pinus mugo) , a hardy, slow and low growing conifer native to high altitudes. It thrives in cool climates with rocky, well-drained soils.
Producers select immature cones in late Spring or early Summer while they are still soft and resinous. At this stage the cones release aromatic compounds and natural sap during maceration.
Traditional Mugolio flavour profile In the aroma and flavour notes from traditional Mugolio you can expect pine resin, wildflower tones, light citrus hints, and a caramel depth from the sugar. The finish carries a gentle woodsy note that lingers.
The texture is glossy and pourable, with a silky texture and moderate viscosity. It reads sweet at first, then shifts toward herbal and balsamic accents.
Highland Boundary's Mugolio Wild Scottish Mugolio represents a modern interpretation of traditional Alpine syrup making. Instead of Pinus Mugo , which isn’t found natively in Scotland, we craft our Mugolio using cones from Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) , the national tree of Scotland. This shift in botanical source preserves the craft’s integrity while celebrating native Scottish flora.
Our approach The cones are hand foraged from carefully selected Scots Pine stands, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Only a portion of cones are collected at peak resin content, allowing the trees to continue thriving. This sustainable method reflects our commitment to conservation as well as quality.
The syrup goes through a non-alcoholic fermentation and is aged for over a year at the distillery. This extended maturation deepens the flavour and produces a natural dark golden auburn hue. The use of UK-grown sugar beets complements the resin-rich pine cones, resulting in a product that is both local and complex. Our Scots Pine Mugolio is pasteurised for food safety and shelf life but this doesn’t change the beautiful flavour profile.
By substituting Scots Pine for mugo pine, Highland Boundary maintains the core principles of Mugolio production while showcasing our local landscape and flavours. This Scottish expression of Mugolio stands as both a celebration of native woodland and a continuation of a centuries-old preservation craft.
Flavour profile Our Scots Pine Mugolio delivers an intense aroma and a flavour layered with smoke, citrus brightness, and forest depth. The texture is silky and concentrated, creating an impactful drizzle or mix-in for a wide variety of dishes and drinks.
Culinary uses This syrup works beautifully in both kitchen and bar settings. It can be:
Stirred into cocktails and mocktails for forest-driven sweetness Blended into salad dressings for an aromatic finish Drizzled over baked cheese for a savoury-sweet contrast Used as a glaze for pasta and vegetable dishes Trickled over ice cream, pancakes and crepes Incorporated into both dessert and savoury recipes as a distinctive accent.
Savoury pairings
Drizzle over roasted root vegetables, grilled squash, or charred cabbage
Use as a glaze for pork, duck, or game birds Mix in a vinaigrette with a quality cider or white vinegar Drizzle over cooked pasta, turn and serve a simple yet impactful pasta dish A few drops paired with cheese boards and/or charcuterie boards balances and contrasts with those salty and deep umami flavours
Sweet pairings
Drizzle over ice-cream, gelato or sorbets Use to flavour panna cotta or cheesecake Use a filling accent for sponge cakes or roulades Serve as a deluxe breakfast topper for yoghurt porridge or pancakes
Drinks
Use as a flavoursome alternative to a plain sugar syrup in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned Add a small quantity to Martini's or a Negroni to bring different flavour notes to stronger cocktails Use a little Mugolio together with bitters in soda water or sparkling water to make a super-tasty, long, soft drink For other cocktail and mocktail recipes using Mugolio, see our how-to-serve pages
Storage and serving tips Keep unopened bottles in a cool, dark place. After opening, refrigerate and use a clean spoon. A warm spoon helps with smooth drizzling.
What is Mugolio used for Home cooking Keep a bottle for finishing sauces, glazing vegetables, and upgrading simple desserts. A teaspoon can transform a bowl of yogurt or a plate of roasted carrots.
Professional kitchens Restaurants use Mugolio to add forest depth to tasting menus and to create contrasts on cheese courses and pastry plates.
Non-culinary traditions Historically households have used Mugolio medicinally to boost immunity levels especially during the Winter months and in soothing warm drinks and seasonal preserves.
Mugolio FAQ Is Mugolio the same as pine honey? No, these are different things. Pine honey is a honeydew honey made by bees. Mugolio is a syrup produced by macerating young pine cones with sugar, then finishing the liquid as a syrup.
Can I cook with it at high heat? Use it as a glaze near the end of cooking or as a finishing drizzle. Prolonged high heat can darken the syrup and mute its aroma.
Summary Mugolio captures the scent and taste of the alpine forest in a bottle. It began as a home pantry preserve in Italy and now appears across modern kitchens and bars. Our Scots Pine Mugolio represents a modern interpretation of the historical Alpine traditions and uses sustainably hand-picked cones from our national tree, the Scots Pine. Use it sparingly, in a wide variety of ways, to add depth to plates and drinks.
