I call this the “Seahorse.” Horseradish-infused vodka, Brennivin (Icelandic aquavit flavored with caraway seeds), dry vermouth, fennel bitters, blue cheese-stuffed Chalkidiki olive, caraway seed dust.

1 oz horseradish vodka*

1 1/2 oz Brennivin

1 1/2 oz dry vermouth, e.g. Dolin

2 dashes of fennel bitters

Green olive, blue-cheese stuffed preferable

In a mixing glass or tin, combine all liquid ingredients and fill with ice. Stir until diluted by about 25% and ice cold. Strain into chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a savory stuffed green olive. Grind whole caraway seeds in a mortar or spice grinder and sprinkle on the surface of the cocktail.

HORSERADISH VODKA

This is a traditional Russian-style vodka known as “hrenovuha” (xреновуха), from the Russian word for horseradish, “hren” (xрен). Combine one cup of 80+ proof vodka with two tablespoons of freshly-ground horseradish root and let infuse at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, agitating once a day. Fine-strain the infused vodka into a clean non-reactive container and store in the freezer. Scale up as necessary. Delicious straight!