Whisky Cocktail: Lingon

If you’ve ever had meatballs in IKEA, you will have been offered “jam and gravy” or more specifically “lingonberry jam and gravy”. Like me, you may not have had a clue what the heck “lingonberry” actually is. One thing is for sure, though, the Swedes absolutely love the stuff – it seems to me that they have it with just about anything! So far I’ve been served it as an accompaniment to various savory meals, ice cream and even in a whisky cocktail!

To be honest, I am not quite sure how I feel about this cocktail, but I thought I’d share it anyway. I’ve never really had a cocktail based on a tangy berry before, and it’s quite interesting, at least. You’ll need the following:

• A glass tumbler
• 3-4 ice cubes
• A handful of fresh lingonberries, or 2 tablespoons of lingonberry jam
• 5 mint leaves
• Lemonade
• 1.5oz whisky of your choice, my host used Aberlour
• A dash of lemonade
• If you use fresh berries, you’ll need 1½tsp of sugar as well

And do the following:

Mix your lingonberries or jam with the mint leaves, mushing it all together (but don’t break the leaves), and pour the mixture into your glass tumbler. Add the ice, whisky, and top up with lemonade. Stir gently for about 15 seconds, and serve.

An odd cocktail indeed, but one that I think would grow on me if I had it a few more times. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think!