The Potomac Catch
A crisp aquavit highball with dill, lemon and cucumber — bright as a river dinner at Mount Vernon
Washington's fishery made the Potomac part of his daily taste memory.
Why this cocktail? Washington's palate was shaped by the Potomac fishery. This bright herbaceous highball gives that river a liquid form.
The Story
Washington's Potomac fishery was economic engine, pantry, and proof that his world began with the river. This savory-leaning highball borrows the herb and citrus companions of fish cookery — dill, cucumber, lemon — to create a drink that feels tidal, clean, and quietly exacting, like a Virginia evening near the wharf.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz aquavit
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz soda water
- Cucumber ribbon
- Dill sprig
Preparation
- 1.Shake aquavit, vermouth, and lemon lightly with ice.
- 2.Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.
- 3.Top with soda water.
- 4.Garnish with cucumber ribbon and dill sprig.
More from this collection
President's Cocktail Collection — George Washington
The Hoecake Hearth
Brown-butter washed bourbon with honey and toasted corn — Washington's favorite breakfast, recast as a fireside sip
The Madeira Cellar
Madeira cobbler with orange, peach and nutmeg — an after-dinner glass worthy of Washington's cellar
The Porter Ledger
Porter flip with rum, whole egg and nutmeg — dense, colonial, and built for a long night of strategy