Brennivin Old-Fashioned
The BRENNIVIN OLD-FASHIONED is locally known in Iceland as Harry’s Old-Fashioned. It was created in 2014 by Harry Sheff (Cocktails & Cologne) and is popular for its mix of the Icelandic “aquavit,” Brennivin, with rye whiskey and bitters. This is a tasty variation of the classic rye Old-Fashioned, incorporating Brennivin’s herbal flavors. Many enjoy Brennivin cocktails such as this after a heavy meal to aid digestion.
Requirements: Brennivin, rye whiskey (Rittenhouse preferred), Angostura bitters, simple syrup, orange peel
- 1 oz. Brennivin
- 1 oz. rye whiskey
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
- 1/2 tsp. simple syrup
- 1 orange peel garnish
Add the ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake to chill and pour over ice (large ice cube preferred) into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
History: Brennivin aquavit was introduced by Danish merchants in Iceland in the 17th century and is considered Iceland’s schnapps. Brennivin is made with fermented mashed potatoes flavored with caraway seeds. At 37.5% alcohol, the name translates to “burnt wine” because it is distilled over an open flame versus the cooler fermentation of wine and beer. Brennivin consumption became so popular that it was often abused and was therefore distributed in a “boring” black-labeled bottle to discourage overconsumption. It began legal importation to the U.S. in 2014.
Comments: Traveling to Iceland recently, I found that Brennivin is often taken in shots with beer and is considered Iceland’s signature spirit. (For those interested, see my 2024 Iceland travel video below.)
Further information on Brennivin:
https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/brennivin-the-black-death-of-iceland
Similar Cocktails:
Old Fashioned — https://keetscocktails.com/old-fashioned-2/
Cooper Union — https://keetscocktails.com/cooper-union/
Bittersweet Jack — https://keetscocktails.com/bittersweet-jack-2/
Applejack No.2 — https://keetscocktails.com/applejack-no-1/
Personal Iceland Travel Video, 2024 (7:37 minutes) —
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