The Stone Crush Cocktail
Courtesy Chaim Dauermann, head bartender, The Up & Up, New York City.
Iceland
Brennivín Aquavit
Also produced in Iceland, caraway-accented aquavit is particularly embraced in the country, where it’s the national drink. This bottling, playfully dubbed “the black death” due to its austere ebony label (and perhaps an aquavit-induced hangover or two), is nuanced and refreshing, with a mild, savory scent that suggests dill, fennel seed and pine. Brennivín Aquavit ideal to pair with herring or other savory bites.
The Cocktail
The Up & Up was one of the first bars in the U.S. to carry Brennivín, and it continues to showcase the spirit in a wide range of drinks like this one. Cucumber and a hoppy Pilsner pleasingly accent the herbaceousness of the aquavit.
- 3–4 slices cucumber, plus additional slices for garnish
- 1½ ounces Brennivín aquavit
- ½ ounce Dolin Blanc Vermouth
- ¼ ounce Rabarbaro Zucca amaro
- 1 ounce Stiegl Goldbräu Pilsner
- 1 piece lemon peel
In mixing glass, muddle cucumber slices into juicy pulp. Add next three ingredients and ice. Stir well. Add the beer.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Twist lemon peel over the drink to express its oils, then discard. Garnish with remaining cucumber slices.
Kara Newman reviews spirits and writes about spirits and cocktail trends for Wine Enthusiast. She's the author of several cocktail books, including Shake.Stir.Sip. and NIGHTCAP: More than 40 Cocktails to Close Out Any Evening, which debuts in September 2018. Email: spirits@wineenthusiast.net