Viking Colada

Originally written for VinePair

Everyone loves a good tiki cocktail… even Vikings.

Admittedly, Viking Tiki isn’t a thing just yet. But, for fans of the traditional Nordic spirit aquavit, it certainly seems like a reasonable development.

Like gin, aquavit is a neutral grain spirit that is flavored with various botanicals. Instead of juniper, the primary botanicals in aquavit are usually star anise, caraway, and coriander. The good people of House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Ore. produce the popular and widely available Krogstad Aquavit, which I used in this delicious twist on a Piña Colada.

The Viking Colada definitely has some funky flavors going on, thanks to the combination of star anise and root beer syrup. Yet somehow, fresh lime and creme of coconut mysteriously tie everything together. The result is a tropical cocktail unlike any other.

Viking Colada

ingredients:

2 ounces aquavit, such as House Spirits' Krogstad Aquavit

¾ ounce fresh lime juice

½ ounce creme of coconut

½ ounce root beer syrup


instructions:

  1. Shake all ingredients with crushed ice.

  2. Pour into a Highball or Collins glass.

  3. Top with additional crushed ice if needed.

  4. Garnish with fresh mint and skewered cherries, and serve with a straw.


More cocktail recipes to try out: