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Svarti Dauði — The Black Death (Softened)
Icelandic brennivín with cucumber, dill, and a whisper of lemon — the national spirit, made diplomatic
Brennivín, nicknamed svarti dauði — 'black death' — is Iceland's caraway-scented aquavit.
Why this cocktail? Iceland's national spirit, dressed for a diplomatic tray without losing its accent.
The Story
Brennivín is not a cocktail spirit by tradition; Icelanders take it cold, neat, with fermented shark on the side. But softened with cucumber and dill and cut with lemon, its caraway becomes elegant — Iceland walking into the room in a diplomatic register. One sip is a handshake from Reykjavík.
Read Full Story →Prep: 3 minYield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Brennivín
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 cucumber ribbons
- 1 dill sprig
Preparation
- 1.Muddle one cucumber ribbon lightly with the dill sprig.
- 2.Add brennivín, lemon, and simple; shake with ice.
- 3.Strain into a chilled coupe.
- 4.Garnish with the second cucumber ribbon and a fresh dill frond.