Skål for Syttende Mai!
Soon it will be the 17th of May and time to celebrate, and what better occasion to have a cup of Norwegian-inspired cheer? Fortunately, we have two master bartenders on staff, Design Editor Mattea Bertling and Advertising and Marketing Manager Madison Leiren, who have concocted two delectable cocktails for Syttende Mai.
The Colors of Syttende Mai
by Mattea Bertling
Photo: Madison Leiren
The Colors of Syttende Mai cocktail by Mattea Bertling.
Red, white, and blue are the colors of Syttende Mai and the inspiration for this drink, brought to life with the colors of blueberries and raspberries. Aquavit and sparkling wine give this cocktail a festive, refreshing zing for a toast on your special day!
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. aquavit
.75 oz. blueberry syrup*
.5 oz. lemon juice
Sparkling wine
Raspberry sorbet
1 cup blueberries*
Optional: Mint to garnish and any leftover blueberries
Mixing instructions:
Mix the aquavit, blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and pour the mixture into a goblet or wine glass. Add ice and top with sparkling wine and a scoop of raspberry sorbet. Garnish to your heart’s content.
*To make the blueberry syrup, muddle/squish the cup of berries (frozen and fresh) and reduce the mixture down in a saucepan. Add 2 tbsps. of sugar and 4 tbsps. of water once reduced. Let it cool before adding to the aquavit and lemon juice.
Solo Celebration
by Madison Leiren
Photo: Madison Leiren
Solo Celebration cocktail by Madison Leiren.
This drink was inspired by the famous Norwegian orange soda Solo, but you can substitute any orange drink. In the spirit of 17. mai, the second key ingredient is ice cream, and this festive drink can be made with or without alcohol.
Ingredients:
4 dashes of orange bitters
1.5 oz. aquavit,
Top with orange soda (Solo if you have it) and vanilla ice cream.
Mixing instructions:
In a goblet, add orange bitters, aquavit, large scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pour over orange soda to fill.
Add a spoon to make enjoyment easier!
This article originally appeared in the May 7, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
