Forever Fin
There is a show on the Discovery Channel called Cocktail Kings. I have yet to actually view the show but I visit their website from time to time to see what they’ve been up to. For each show they visit a major city - so far either a European or US destination - check out a local hotspot and cocktail, show you a little something about the local area and then mix up a cocktail or two that represents the area.
One of their trips was to Helsinki, Finland. Finland has a reputation for vodka, of course, including a popular licorice-flavored vodka called Salmiakki, which is made by grinding up a licorice flavored candy and combining that with vodka. It had quite a cult following several years ago and is still popular.
On this trip, though, the Cocktail Kings highlighted the White Russian, which they say is the most popular drink in Helsinki. After mixing one up, then focusing in on the local sauna culture, they created their salutes to Finland. One cocktail called Forever Fin caught my eye as it uses cloudberries, an ingredient that always fascinates me. It also includes birch leaves, something I’ve never seen in a recipe before but that has a history as a folk remedy. The addition of butterscotch and cinnamon seem to fit the season, but it would appear that combination would actually push this into the dessert category, more than a beverage!
FOREVER FIN
- 4-5 Birch leaves
- 1 tablespoon Cloudberries
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 10mls cinnamon syrup
- 10mls full fat milk
- 10mls cream
- 15mls butterscotch caramel
- 50mls Koskenkorva (Finnish Vodka)
Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, then fine strain into tumbler filled with ice. Dust with a little cinnamon.
10 mls = 1/3 oz
