"The Great Dane" was a signature cocktail I created for Two Chefs Too, a restaurant Danish Chef Jan Jorgensen opened in the original Mark's Place in North Miami. I used the traditional Danish liquor Akvavit, which literally translated means "water of life".
Akvavit is made by creating a mash from grapes, grain or potatoes. It is then fermented, flavored with herbs, spices and fruit, distilled and aged in oak casks. It was originally produced in Northern Italy, France, Sweden, Iceland and Denmark. The first written reference of Akvavit is dated 1531. It is an important part of Scandinavian drinking culture. Akvavit is often drunk during a formal ritual called "drinking snaps".
The Great Dane is an elegant cocktail. A combination of Aalborg Jubilaeums Akvavit, Miller's Premium Gin and dry Vermouth served straight up and garnished with a cucumber round. The Akvavit was introduced in 1946 to celebrate the 100-year jubilee of Aalborg Taffel Akvavit of Aalborg, Denmark - Northern Jutland and has the characteristic flavor of dill and coriander with a hint of anise. The Gin, distilled in England then shipped to Iceland and diluted with pure spring water, brings a botanical character, with citrus fruit balanced by coriander and floral notes. Golden in color, it is truly a match made in Nordic Heaven.
The cocktail is so food friendly that it could work with many first courses and more. It pairs well with pickled, oily or smoked fish, pork, duck, chicken and cream sauces. It is believed that the spices and the alcohol in Akvavit help digest rich fatty food.
Recipe:
· 2 oz. Aalborg Jubilaeums Akvavit
· 1 oz. Miller's Premium Gin
· Splash of dry vermouth
· Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cucumber round.
"Skål!"
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