Screaming Viking Cocktail Recipe

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Screaming Viking Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol %:24

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Screaming Viking is a cocktail that was made famous by the sitcom 'Cheers'. In one episode, a customer asks for this drink, which no one has heard of, and the bartenders scramble to make it up on the spot. It's a fun and quirky cocktail that fans of the show, and those who enjoy a bit of cocktail history, would appreciate.

How Screaming Viking Tastes?

The Screaming Viking has a unique, refreshing taste. It's a blend of sweet and sour, with the cucumber adding a crisp freshness. The gin gives it a strong, robust flavor, while the lime juice adds a tangy kick.

Interesting facts about Screaming Viking

  • The Screaming Viking was made famous by an episode of the sitcom 'Cheers'.
  • Despite its fame, it's not a traditional cocktail and was made up on the spot in the show.
  • The drink is named after a fictional group of Vikings in the show.

Ingredients

A few good options for Screaming Viking are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of this cocktail with its 2 oz serving being the perfect foundation for the delicate flavors to build upon. Too much gin and the drink becomes overpowering, too little and it lacks character. Without it, well, you'd have a very lonely cucumber-lime mocktail on your hands. If you want to wander off the beaten path, vodka could step in as a milder substitute, but you'd lose some of the botanical punch that gin brings to the party.

Alex Green

Lime Juice

With 1 oz of lime juice, we're bringing a zesty tang that brightens up the gin's botanicals and dances with the cucumber's freshness. Skip the lime, and the drink loses its pep, becoming a bit of a wallflower. Lemon juice could pinch-hit for lime, offering a different kind of citrusy zing but altering the classic flavor ever so slightly.

Emma Rose

Cucumber

A single cucumber slice muddled at the beginning infuses the spirit with a 'spa-like' freshness that makes the whole concoction scream 'refreshing!' (hence the name, Screaming Viking). Leaving out cucumber wouldn't make it a Screaming Viking - more of a whispering gnome, really. If you're feeling adventurous, try a sprig of mint or basil for a different take on greenery, but that would be another cocktail entirely.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Screaming Viking Drink

  1. Muddle the cucumber slice in the bottom of a mixing glass.
  2. Add the gin and lime juice.
  3. Fill the glass with ice and stir well.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality gin for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to muddle the cucumber well to release its flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass before serving for the best experience.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Seafood: A Screaming Viking with its fresh cucumber notes pairs beautifully with light seafood dishes such as shrimp cocktail or a ceviche. The gin's botanicals complement the marine flavors wonderfully.
  • Salads: Opt for salads with a vinaigrette dressing to echo the acidity of the lime juice in the cocktail. Something with goat cheese and beetroot would make a delectable pairing.
  • Sushi: The clean, crisp flavor profile of the Screaming Viking can cut through the richness of sushi, especially those with a bit of creaminess from avocado or a touch of spice from wasabi or ginger.

Drink Pairings

  • Tonic water: If you're in for a drink before the cocktail, a simple gin and tonic can prepare your palate for the Screaming Viking.
  • Sparkling Water: A non-alcoholic option that keeps your taste buds in the right zone for enjoying this refreshingly botanical drink.

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What you could change in Screaming Viking

If you don't have gin, you can substitute it with vodka. If you don't have fresh lime juice, you can use bottled lime juice, but the taste may not be as fresh.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Basil Smash

  • Add a few fresh basil leaves to the cucumber and muddle them together. This adds a herbal note that plays nicely with the gin.
  • The drink will taste more herbaceous and have an additional layer of complexity. Perfect for those who enjoy a garden in their glass.

Spicy Viking

  • Include a slice of jalapeño with the cucumber. The heat will give your Viking a fiery temperament.
  • The cocktail will have a spicy kick, challenging the coolness of the cucumber and adding a bit of adventure to each sip.

Elderflower Viking

  • Replace the lime juice with elderflower liqueur. You'll need to use less, about 1/2 oz, to maintain balance.
  • The drink will become sweeter and more floral, offering a sophisticated twist to the original recipe. It's a cocktail fit for a more genteel Viking.

In case you forgot basics how to make Screaming Viking

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

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Frequently Asked Questions on Screaming Viking

What is the best time to serve the Screaming Viking?

The Screaming Viking is best served as a refreshing cocktail in the summertime, or as a unique signature drink at a special event.

What other garnish could be used apart from cucumber slice?

Apart from cucumber, mint sprigs or a slice of lime can also be used as garnish.

What kind of cocktail glass would be ideal to serve the Screaming Viking?

The Screaming Viking is best served in a chilled cocktail glass, specifically a coupe glass for optimal presentation and taste.

Why is it important to use high-quality gin for this cocktail?

The quality of gin could greatly influence the outcome of the cocktail. A high-quality gin usually has a more refined taste which enhances the cocktail's flavor.

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