Longshoreman

The Longshoreman is a modern cocktail that brilliantly showcases the savory, caraway-forward notes of aquavit. The spirit's distinctive profile is enhanced by fresh dill, creating a drink that is both garden-fresh and intriguingly complex. Balanced by the simple tartness of lime juice and a touch of simple syrup, it offers a crisp, clean, and memorable experience for those looking to explore cocktails beyond the mainstream.
Longshoreman

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Longshoreman is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It's a contemporary creation that has gained respect in craft cocktail circles for its unique flavor profile and balanced composition, distinguishing it from older, more traditional recipes.

Serving

Served 'up' in a chilled coupe glass, this is a spirit-forward yet refreshing cold drink. Its alcohol content is noticeable but well-integrated, making for a sophisticated sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 4 oz / 120 ml, before dilution
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was created by bartender Evan Zimmerman at Laurelhurst Market in Portland, Oregon. It was designed to highlight the savory character of Krogstad Festlig Aquavit, a spirit also produced in Portland. The name 'Longshoreman' evokes the rugged, hardworking spirit of the docks, a fitting title for a strong and bracing drink with Scandinavian roots.
Origin
Created in the early 21st century by Evan Zimmerman in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Longshoreman

The drink is consistently known by its original name, Longshoreman, and does not have any widely recognized alternative names or aliases.
Original name
Longshoreman

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a distinct herbaceous and savory aroma of dill and caraway, with a taste profile dominated by sour lime balanced with a hint of sweetness. It presents as a clear, pale greenish-yellow liquid with a smooth texture and a clean, lingering herbal finish.
Flavor
Herbaceous, savory, caraway, anise, dill, citrusy, crisp, refreshing
Aroma
Fresh dill, caraway, anise, lime zest
Taste balance
Sour, slightly sweet, savory
Aftertaste
Clean, herbal, lingering anise
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale greenish-yellow, clear, translucent
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Longshoreman is notably sour and moderately strong in alcohol, with low sweetness and virtually no bitterness or creaminess. It is a completely still drink with a unique savory and herbaceous character derived from the dill and aquavit.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires the Scandinavian spirit aquavit as its base, complemented by fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh dill. Using freshly squeezed juice and fresh herbs is key to achieving its signature vibrant flavor.
  • Aquavit2 oz / 60 ml
    Krogstad Festlig Aquavit is recommended as it was used in the original recipe, but other caraway-forward aquavits will work.
  • Fresh Lime Juice1 oz / 30 ml
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup0.75 oz / 22.5 ml
    Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
  • Fresh Dill Sprigs3-4 sprigs
    Used for muddling in the shaker to release its essential oils. More is needed for garnish.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and two types of strainers (Hawthorne and fine mesh). A muddler is also essential for releasing the flavors from the fresh dill.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Muddler for gently pressing the dill.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement of liquids.
  • Hawthorne strainer to separate ice from the liquid.
  • Fine mesh strainer for double-straining to remove small herb particles.

Instructions

Preparation involves gently muddling fresh dill, adding aquavit, lime juice, and syrup, then shaking with ice. The drink is then double-strained into a chilled coupe glass and garnished with another dill sprig.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Place 3-4 fresh dill sprigs into the bottom of your cocktail shaker.
3. Gently muddle the dill to release its aromatic oils. Do not pulverize it.
4. Add the aquavit, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
5. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
6. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
7. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
8. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
9. Garnish with a fresh sprig of dill.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh, aromatic dill sprig is all that's needed. This visually complements the drink and enhances its herbaceous aroma as you sip.
  • Fresh dill sprig placed on the rim or surface of the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As it is made from distilled spirits and plant-based ingredients, it is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains approximately 180 calories per serving, with around 15 grams of carbohydrates, almost all of which are from the sugar in the simple syrup and lime juice.
Calories
Averagely 180 kcal / 753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to awaken the palate. Its refreshing and herbaceous nature also makes it ideal for summer parties, sophisticated cocktail hours, or as an adventurous brunch accompaniment.
  • Aperitif
  • Summer gatherings
  • Cocktail hour
  • Brunch
  • Seafood pairing

Pairing suggestions

The Longshoreman's savory and herbaceous notes pair exceptionally well with Scandinavian cuisine. It complements the flavors of smoked or cured fish like salmon and herring, rye bread, and other light, fresh seafood appetizers. Its crispness cuts through rich flavors beautifully.
  • Smoked salmon or gravlax
  • Pickled herring
  • Rye bread with butter
  • Light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or oysters
  • Cucumber sandwiches

The Longshoreman: A Modern Herbaceous Classic

The Longshoreman is a testament to modern craft cocktail creativity, transforming the traditional Scandinavian spirit of aquavit into a refreshingly sophisticated drink. Its clever use of fresh dill bridges the gap between the culinary and cocktail worlds, offering a unique savory and herbaceous experience. Balanced perfectly with sour lime and a touch of sweetness, it is crisp, aromatic, and deeply memorable. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a departure from fruit-forward drinks and an introduction to the distinctive taste of aquavit.

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