Fjellbekk Cocktail Recipe

Dwelling to crystalline waterfalls, snowcapped mountains, and a couple of thousand fjords, few locations on this planet exude the sheer pure fantastic thing about Norway. Among the best methods to expertise its wonders is from the ocean, and final yr I launched into a journey with Havila Voyages to absorb the sights firsthand. As a wine and spirits journalist, I used to be naturally curious to study extra in regards to the nation’s signature drinks. In quest of one thing native and refreshing, I turned to the ship’s bartender, Per Olav Brevik, who was desirous to share Norway’s wealthy drinks historical past; inside seconds, I had a Fjellbekk cocktail in hand.

A staple at informal gatherings and stylish cocktail bars alike, the unique Fjellbekk — which interprets to “Mountain Stream” in Norwegian — was made with inexperienced curaçao as its base spirit. “At the moment, we have a tendency to make use of a lemon-lime soda, equivalent to 7UP or Sprite, and aquavit as a substitute of curaçao,” Brevik says. He notes that the drink was created within the Nineteen Sixties and infrequently appeals to an older technology; nonetheless, youthful drinkers are experimenting with new iterations. “I attempt to spotlight the Fjellbekk, since it’s a Norwegian cocktail, however I additionally take pleasure in being playful with the recipe,” he says, including that he likes to include contemporary blueberries and raspberries.

I loved my first Fjellbekk ready in response to the usual recipe used in the present day. Because the week went on, I started swapping the lemon-lime soda for plain glowing water to permit the signature caraway and dill notes of aquavit, the flagship spirit of Scandinavia, to shine extra prominently. For these on the lookout for a Nordic-inspired various to a basic Gin & Tonic or Tom Collins, this flavor-packed refresher suits the invoice.

What makes the Fjellbekk work?

The great thing about the Fjellbekk is its simplicity. This highball delivers the contemporary, tart, herbaceous notes you wish to sip beside a dashing mountain stream. A cut up base of aquavit and vodka in equal components provides slightly further energy whereas letting aquavit’s woody, caraway-forward character shine by. For greatest outcomes, Brevik suggests Linie aquavit, a extensively obtainable Norwegian, potato-based spirit aged in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, which lend a mild, nutty undertone.

The Fjellbekk will get its citrusy kick from lemon-lime soda and a beneficiant splash of lime cordial, a sweetened, shelf-stable lime syrup made with lime peel and juice (typically with added citric acid) that tastes rounder and sweeter than contemporary lime juice. Whereas Rose’s is the best-known lime cordial, there are many good choices in the marketplace. In a pinch, use equal components contemporary lime juice and easy syrup instead of lime cordial. —Lucy Simon