There are many wonderful experiences to partake in and enjoy in life. Some of which we’d never thought we’d have the pleasure of enjoying. One such experience was an evening with a global mixologist enjoying his talented and delicious creations. That’s right, we had the pleasure of enjoying an intimate cocktail tasting with Finlandia Vodka Global Mixologist, Pekka Pellinen.
If you’re not aware, Finlandia is a vodka produced in Finland from Finnish-grown six-row barley and glacial spring water. This esteemed vodka is first distilled at a distillery in the village of Koskenkorva, then transported to a production facility in the village of Rajamäki. Finlandia Vodka’s Global Mixologist, Pekka Pellinen, lovingly known as a human “drink encyclopedia” (trust us, it’s a well-deserved title), grew up near a distillery. His career was obviously fated.
We were in for a journey through the fun and creative world of Finlandia Vodka’s Global Mixologist, Pekka Pellinen unlimited and highly creative cocktail arsenal. We welcomed and relished the ride. On this blissful evening, we enjoyed five cocktails from this master cocktail craftsman; a Finlandia Bloody Mary, Popcorn Sour (yes it’s a cocktail with popcorn), as well as its vegetarian version, the Baltic Sea Sour, a Finlandia Herbarium, and a Helsinki Mule. Check out the recipes for all of these delicious cocktails below:
Finlandia Bloody Mary
1.5 oz Finlandia Classic
0.5 oz Finlandia Grapefruit
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
3 drops hot pepper sauce
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
5 oz tomato juice
Salt and pepper
Build and mix – no ice. Garnish with a celery stalk, cucumber, and Lemon wedge
*smoke cocktail with Jack Daniels barrel chips
Baltic Sea Sour aka “Vegetarian Sour” (or Popcorn Sour!)
1.5 oz Finlandia Grapefruit
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
1.5 oz salty chickpea brine or egg white
Salt and pepper
Cumin seeds
Raspberries optional (for color)
Popcorn optional (for additional salt and sweet)
Shake with ice and garnish with Popcorn or raspberry
Finlandia Herbarium
1.5 oz Finlandia Classic
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
1 pinch salt
1 egg white
Herbs (basil, dill)
Soda optional
Shake with ice and garnish with fresh dill or basil
Helsinki Mule
1.5 oz Finlandia Grapefruit
3 oz ginger beer
A squeeze of fresh lime
Build in glass over ice and garnish with cucumber, lime, and fresh ginger
While we enjoyed every cocktail Finlandia Vodka Global Mixologist, Pekka Pellinen created, it was truly an amazing thing to see him create them. From smoking the lime and rolling the mixture for Bloody Mary, crafting the perfect garnishes, and sharing some of his cocktail secrets. Check out our InstaStories Highlight for our cocktail experience. KIPPIS!!!
