I first met the “Polar Bear” cocktail – a beautiful paradox of icy cool and fiery warmth – during a private Christmas party. From the first sip, I loved the contrasting sensations of cool mint and the warm, smoky embrace of mezcal. I had it with some chocolate, which made it the perfect party combo.
What is the Polar Bear Cocktail?
The “Polar Bear” is a cocktail that embodies the mix of the Arctic chill with the fiery spirit of the Mexican sun. It’s a delightful paradox where the smoky allure of mezcal meets the refreshing coolness of crème de menthe, creating a sensory experience that’s both invigorating and warming.
Variants:
The “Polar Bear” is open to interpretation. I’ve seen variations where bartenders play with the ratios to either elevate the icy coolness of the mint or amplify the warmth of the mezcal. I’ve seen lemon juice added or different bitters. I’ve even seen it made with rum or vodka.
Polar Bear Cocktail
Yield: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
The "Polar Bear" is a cocktail that embodies the mix of the Arctic chill with the fiery spirit of the Mexican sun.
Directions
Prepare Your Glass: Chill a coupe glass (if you don’t have one, any other cocktail glass will do)
Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the mezcal, crème de menthe (peppermint liqueur), vermouth and bitters. The choice of mezcal is crucial here - more on that later.
Shake It Up: Give it a good shake. Imagine the clash of the icy Arctic winds with the warm Mexican sun - that’s the energy you’re channeling.
Strain: Pour the mix into your glass.
Garnish: A mint leaf or two for that extra touch of the Arctic cold.
Notes
The Right Mezcal: While it might be tempting to reach for a wild agave mezcal, I recommend a quality Espadín like Del Maguey Vida. It offers the smoky notes that make this cocktail a sensory journey, without overshadowing the refreshing mint.
Nutrition
Calories: 200Carbohydrates: 18gSugar: 16g*Nutritional information is an estimate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for the most accurate nutritional info."
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: mexican
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Brands
Mezcal Bottles
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