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Cool and contemporary, the Polar Bear cocktail features high-quality mezcal, floral bianco vermouth, and a splash of crème de menthe. Finished with a few drops of earthy angelica root tincture, the resulting drink is sultry and a smidge offbeat—exactly how Scott Baird, Josh Harris, and Jason Henton of Trick Dog intended it to be. In 2013, when this trio unveiled the San Francisco cocktail lounge, they also introduced Fog City to this smoky drink. It’s been an obsession ever since. For a shooter and a different variation, try the Polar Bear Shot recipe.
Polar Bear Cocktail
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Mixing Glass
- Barspoon
To Serve: Serve in a coupe glass.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- .75 oz bianco (blanc) vermouth
- .5 oz crème de menthe
- 6 drops angelica root tincture
To Garnish: Float a mint leaf in the cocktail for extra pizzazz.
How To Make
To make the Polar Bear, fill a mixing glass with ice and the mezcal, bianco vermouth, crème de menthe, and angelica root tincture. Stir until chilled and then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a mint leaf.
Nutrition Facts and ABV
- ABV (alcohol by volume): 23.5%
- Calories: 194 calories
- Total carbohydrates: 8.7 grams
- Total sugar: 8.5 grams
Some spirit recipes aren’t available. As such, some nutrition content may be estimated.
History
In 2013, the Polar Bear cocktail appeared on the opening menu of a trendy San Francisco bar called Trick Dog. It was created as a contemporary twist on the Stinger, a pre-Prohibition drink featuring cognac and white crème de menthe. But instead of cognac, the Golden Gate mixologists incorporated sultry mezcal. The smokiness pairs swimmingly with cooling crème de menthe and the floral flourish of bianco vermouth.
FAQs
What can I use instead of angelica root tincture?
If you don’t have angelica root lying around, don’t sweat it. Simply sub the tincture 1-to-1 with store-bought celery bitters. Both offer an earthy taste with notes of lemongrass and orange peel.
Should I use a specific kind of mezcal?
If you’re looking for authenticity, you need to buy a bottle of Pierde Almas La Puritita Verda Mezcal. The masterminds at Trick Dog in San Fran picked this liquor because it’s savory and a smidge smoky. If you can’t find this specific spirit, Sombra Mezcal is a suitable alternative.
Will any crème de menthe do?
To keep the cocktail clear, you need to buy white crème de menthe—not green.
What can I use instead of a coupe glass?
A martini glass will suffice. Heck, even a coffee mug will work if you aren’t shooting for an A+ in presentation.
