Cocktail tips from our top bartender

Dosa Ivanov is bar manager at Norda Bar & Grill, Clarion Hotell Post. Talking exclusively to us, he now reveals the recipes for five cocktails – including a unique Nordic Choice Club cocktail, and two delicious drinks for everyone who prefers to take the alcohol-free approach.

Loves the classics

Dosa Ivanov is extremely modest when asked to explain what makes him such a good bartender. “I guess I’m a classical bartender, and I love to mix the classics. I also love to entertain my guests. It makes me feel good to see my guests enjoying themselves.” Dosa Ivanov has been a fixture at Clarion Hotell Post ever since it opened. He was previously employed at Stenungsbaden Yacht Club. What makes Norda Bar & Grill a good cocktail bar?

“Our guests. We welcome a lot of ‘regulars’, both hotel guests and Gothenburg residents – people who are keen to try something new and really appreciate the bar’s own cocktails.” What’s the most popular cocktail in the bar?

“The Mojito. But then again, we do mix a pretty mean one …” Where do you find your inspiration for new cocktails?

“I often come up with ideas while I’m out running. I also draw inspiration from Norda Bar & Grill’s special combinations of different foods and tastes.” What’s your favourite cocktail?

“The Dry Martini!”

A three-drink menu

Exclusively for us, Dosa Ivanov has put together a series of three drinks.

• Teaparty – the cocktail that won him the title of ‘Bartender of the Year’
• Garden Lemonade – a refreshing favourite
• Nordic Choice Club – a one-of-a-kind cocktail

“I wanted the Nordic Choice Club drink to display inspiration from both Sweden and France, which is why the base features both Calvados and Chartreuse. However, I also make a point of using apple juice from Bohuslän County because I always enjoy working with local ingredients.

Tips from the bartender

TEAPARTY

• 3 cl Boxer gin
• 5 cl Cartron Curaçao Orange
• 5 cl Bols elderflower
• 2 cl honey
• 2 cl freshly pressed lime juice
• 5 cl green tea
• 1/8 bar spoon Fernet Branca

Shake well and sieve into short glasses, garnish with green tea on the rim, lime and an orange twist.

GARDEN LEMONADE

• 4 cl Smirnoff vodka
• 4 cl lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 3 cl sugar solution
• 5 mint leaves
• 2 dashes of celery bitters
• Soda water to finish

Pour all the ingredients and the mint (bruise gently with the bar spoon) into a tall glass, add four large ice cubes and top off with soda water. Garnish with mint and cucumber.

NORDIC CHOICE CLUB APPLE

• 3 cl Boulard VSOP, Calvados
• 1 cl Chartreuse, yellow
• 2 cl cinnamon sugar solution
• 3 cl lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 6 cl apple juice

Shake well and sieve into a tall glass, garnish with fresh tarragon and slices of apple.

Delicious alcohol-free drinks

There are times when it is best to enjoy cocktails that do not contain alcohol. There may be children present, or you may have to drive home. Our bartender is of the opinion that the ‘vanilla’ option need not be dull … Here are a couple of delicious alcohol-free recipes, from Dosa Ivanov himself:

Morning strawberry glory

• 10 cl orange juice
• 2 cl strawberry purée
• 2 cl lemon juice
• 1 cl sugar solution
• 3–4 mint leaves

Shake well and double-sieve into a highball glass, garnish with skewered strawberries and mint flowers.

Mexican breakfast

• 10 cl apple juice
• 2 cl lemon juice
• 3 cl Agave syrup
• 2 chunks of pineapple
• Soda water to finish

Mash the chunks of fruit, shake the ingredients well and double-sieve into a highball glass; garnish with apple and grated orange peel.