The “Viking Vacation” is a journey in a glass, designed for when the winds howl, and the fire roars. Highland Park Magnus takes centre stage, its floral peat weaving through layers of fall and winter flavours. Finished with a dash of briny saline, it’s like sipping by a Viking bonfire—smoky, rich, and comforting, yet with a hint of adventure. No need for a passport—just settle in, raise your glass, and let this liquid escape carry you to the Orkney Islands.
Recipe: Eder Sanchez (Toronto, Ontario)
Photo: Reece Sims
Cocktail Flavor Camps
The inspiration behind this cocktail, as explained by Eder Sanchez, professional bartender based in Toronto, Ontario, “picturing myself in a Viking setting overlooking Kirkwall on a cold winter night (because it’s also cold where I live at the moment) and I imagining what I’d like to drink. It’s such a beautiful Whiskey that I would only like to add very little of other ingredients mainly to enhance the beautiful floral peat from the Magnus Highland Park. All of these ingredients remind me of fall/winter flavours could be perfectly enjoyed around a Viking fire (which I imagine smells like peated barley).“
Viking Vacation
Difficulty: ModerateFlavor Camps: Boozy, Sweet, Nutty, Smoky
Ingredients
1.5 oz Highland Park Magnus
0.5 oz Benedictine
0.5 oz Amontillado Sherry
0.25 oz Sesame Oil Washed Banana Liqueur*
1 dash Saline (10:1)**
Directions
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 20-25 seconds
- Strain into Nick and Nora glass
- No garnish required
Notes
- *Seasame-Washed Banana Liqueur
Add 10g Seasame Oil per 750ml of banana liqueur, stir vigorously, then put in freezer for 3-4 hrs. While still very cold, strain through a coffee filter. - **Saline solution:
10% sea salt -water ratio