Try the Polar Bear Cocktail recipe! Blend Mezcal, Vermouth, Creme de Menthe, and Celery Bitters for a perfect winter drink.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
168
Ingredients
- 1¼ oz Mezcal
- ¾ oz Vermouth Blanc
- ½ oz Creme de Menthe
- 2 dashes of Celery Bitters
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaf - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Coupe glass with ice cubes, stir, and set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes of Celery Bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Creme de Menthe: Add ½ oz Creme de Menthe to the mix.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour ¾ oz Vermouth Blanc into the glass.
- Add Mezcal: Pour 1¼ oz Mezcal over the ice.
- Add ice: Fill your mixing glass three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Strain your mixture into the chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Place a mint leaf into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Mezcal: If you don't have mezcal, try using tequila for a similar earthy I've also used smoky scotch whisky in a pinch, which adds an exciting twist.
- Vermouth Blanc: Dry Vermouth can replace Vermouth Blanc if you prefer a less sweet cocktail. Just add a small splash of simple syrup to balance it out.
- Creme de Menthe: Peppermint schnapps works well as a substitute if you don't have creme de Menthe on hand.
- Celery Bitters: If you can't find celery bitters, use regular aromatic bitters or experiment with different ones.
Making a Pitcher of Polar Bear Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 10 oz of mezcal, 6 oz of Vermouth, 4 oz of creme de menthe, and 16 dashes of celery bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the mezcal, vermouth, creme de menthe, and celery bitters with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain Pour the mixture into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with mint leaves, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Mezcal Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic mezcal substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic mezcal's smoky flavor.
- Vermouth Substitute: Opt for non-alcoholic Vermouth or use grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- Creme de Menthe Substitute: Make a simple syrup infused with fresh mint leaves to replace creme de Menthe.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Polar Bear Cocktail?
A Polar Bear Cocktail is a mezcal-based drink made of mezcal, vermouth blanc, creme de menthe, and celery bitters. It’s not difficult to make because it involves simple steps like measuring and stirring the ingredients together. The unique combination of smoky mezcal with minty creme de menthe and herbal notes from the Vermouth makes this cocktail stand out.
What is a Polar Bear Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Start your Polar Bear Cocktail with these ingredients:
- Mezcal: Adds a smoky, earthy flavor that forms the base of the cocktail.
- Vermouth Blanc: Contributes herbal and slightly sweet notes to balance the mezcal.
- Creme de Menthe: Provides a refreshing minty taste that complements the other ingredients.
- Celery Bitters: Adds a subtle, aromatic bitterness that enhances the complexity of the drink.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the cocktail and dilutes it slightly for a smoother taste.
- Mint Leaf (optional): Used as a garnish to add a fresh aroma and visual appeal.
