August 26, 2014
Cocktail Culture: 5 Can't Miss Libation Destinations in Stockholm
Kristen Siebecker READ TIME: 5 MIN.
The cultivated cocktail culture in Sweden's metropolitan Stockholm is decidedly modern and creative with a hint of cleverness. Although top shelf cocktails can be pricey, with many costing upwards of $20 per drink, you are often truly getting more than just a libation at these bars.
Efforts focus on stellar service and the crafting of the cocktails, which is a show unto itself. We discovered wonderful details ranging from a specially crafted glass and straw to match the drink to a homemade pistachio-infused vermouth. In all of these locations we recommend grabbing a seat at the bar versus a far-off table (unless you're on a romantic date or traveling with a large group.) It's the best place to watch your bartender in action and get a greater appreciation for your bartender's hard work.
Guldbaren
The many-mirrored walls of the Gold Bar at the Nobis Hotel give the effect that this hotel bar is located in another world. It is pleasantly intimate yet comfortably lavish, with gold accents everywhere including the gold beaks on the duck crystal water vases. Our attentive bartender, Adam, chats up the carefully curated cocktail menu selections. In addition to its innovative signature drinks, Guldbaren features classic hotel bar and "Gentleman Club" classic cocktails that give shout-outs to the originators. If you're looking for bubbly, Guldbaren also features a terrific champagne list. Try the "Rye and Chai" that incorporates homemade chai syrup with 1776 rye.
Guldbaren at the Nobis Hotel.
Mälarpaviljongen
Yes, ros� isn't a cocktail, but if you want beautiful scenery to see and to be seen, you won't do much better than sitting with a bottle of the house ros� on one of the outdoor barges at M�larpaviljongen. This place is hopping during Stockholm's elongated summer daylight hours and overflows with a mixed, friendly and inclusive crowd that can reach upwards of 900 guests.
The dry and delicious namesake ros� is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and sourced from certified fair trade winemaking in South Africa. Your drink also supports Regnb�gsfonden (or Rainbow Foundation) where in 2013 donations went to the LGBT struggle in Uganda.
The Crooked Leg
Another hotel bar that is a destination unto its own where one feels at ease. Their slogan, "Citylicious food and hard knocked drinks," accurately indicates that you are in for a fun night and well-thought mixology. With Kim at the bar as your guide, ask if you can go to the bartender's table (instead of "chef's table"), which is behind the bar. There you can see the magic at work along with a pinball machine and Nintendo for your additional entertainment.
The menu includes fun cocktail names intended to ease any snobbish tension like "The Street Walker" with gin, lemon and sugar... sounds refreshing, right? The addition of housemade pistachio vermouth takes it up a notch and smooths out the libation, elevating it with nuttiness that's perfect as an aperitif. You might just run into Thelma, the bulldog that resides at the Nordic Light Hotel, who happens to have a crooked leg...the namesake of the bar and restaurant.
The Crooked Leg at the Nordic Light Hotel
Niklas
This modern bar and restaurant shows off a slick, clean bar and menu including a choice of house drinks with a gin focus simply listed by number. Our bartender took great care with each drink, from shaving the ice cube down to the perfect size to slow shaking and finally a flawless pour into the glass.
Try a classic cocktail called "Pegu Club" featuring Hern�, a Swedish Gin that was very fresh and with a light hand on the juniper. This is an adult version of an orange push-up, a touch sweet and invigorating. The restaurant also has a small area designed for cooking classes that are offered weekly or for private parties.
Pharmarium
Pharmarium automatically brings a sense of place to the cocktail scene. Located in Old Town (Gamla Stan) just steps from the palace on a cobblestone street, its name is inspired by the building's former use as Sweden's first pharmacy in 1575.
The apothecary-style cocktail menu uses unusual ingredients that are meant to double as drinks with healing properties. It also suggests tapas-style food pairings to accompany each drink. For example, "The Winged Horse" uses sea buckthorn elixir for improved vitality and can be served with lobster bites with "flavours of the sea." Located in one of the most charming and historical parts of the city, it's a destination onto itself and worth the hefty price tag.
Looking for more tips for your trip to Stockholm? Visit:
www.gaylesbian.visitstockholm.com
Kristen Siebecker is a Certifed Sommelier and lover of cocktails. She is the co-host of I Feel Vine, a weekly podcast about the power of positive drinking. She also hosts recreational wine classes under the title, Popping Your Cork. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter at @WineWithKristen.
