Trident

The Trident is a sophisticated and layered cocktail created by bartender Robert Hess. It uniquely combines the caraway and dill notes of aquavit with the bittersweet, vegetal character of Cynar and the nutty, dry qualities of Fino sherry. A couple of dashes of peach bitters add a subtle fruity dimension, tying the disparate elements together into a cohesive and memorable drink.
Trident

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Trident is classified as a Modern Classic cocktail. It is typically served as a sophisticated, spirit-forward aperitif designed to be enjoyed before a meal.

Serving

Served 'straight up' in a chilled Coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this cold, spirit-forward drink has a moderate alcohol by volume content.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created in the early 2000s by Seattle-based bartender and cocktail historian Robert Hess. He named it the Trident because it has three "prongs" or main ingredients: aquavit, Cynar, and sherry. The name also subtly nods to its Scandinavian base spirit, as a trident is a common symbol in Norse mythology.
Origin
Seattle, USA, early 2000s.

Trident

The drink is consistently known as the Trident. The name was chosen by its creator to reflect the three core ingredients, like the three prongs of a spear.
Original name
Trident

Characteristics overview

The Trident offers a unique savory and herbal flavor profile with a bittersweet balance and a smooth texture. Its deep amber color and complex aroma of caraway and botanicals make it a distinctive and memorable sipping experience.
Flavor
Herbal, Savory, Bittersweet, Nutty, Subtly fruity
Aroma
Caraway, Dill, Botanical, Wine-like, Herbal
Taste balance
Bitter, Savory, Hint of sweetness
Aftertaste
Long, Complex, Herbal, Dry
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep amber, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth
Seasonality
Year-round, Refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is flavor-forward with a pronounced bittersweet and herbal character, balanced by savory notes and moderate alcohol strength. It is a still, non-carbonated cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is an equal-parts build of aquavit, the artichoke liqueur Cynar, and dry Fino sherry, accented with a couple of dashes of peach bitters.
  • Aquavit30 ml / 1 oz
    A clear, caraway-forward style like Aalborg Taffel works best.
  • Cynar30 ml / 1 oz
    An artichoke-based Italian bitter liqueur.
  • Fino Sherry30 ml / 1 oz
    A dry, light style of sherry.
  • Peach Bitters2 dashes
    Adds a subtle stone fruit note that ties the ingredients together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar tools for a stirred drink: a mixing glass and bar spoon for chilling, and a strainer to pour it neatly into the serving glass.
  • Mixing glass for stirring and chilling the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) to hold back the ice when pouring.

Instructions

The Trident is a stirred cocktail; combine all liquid ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, stir until chilled, and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist before serving.
1. Chill your serving glass (a Coupe or Nick & Nora) in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Add the aquavit, Cynar, Fino sherry, and peach bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. If you used ice to chill your glass, discard it.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink, and twist it to express the citrus oils onto the surface.
8. Drop the lemon peel into the glass as a garnish and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the ideal garnish, as its bright citrus oils complement the drink's complex, savory flavors without overpowering them.
  • Lemon twist: Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic but is generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with moderate sugar and carbohydrate content coming primarily from the Cynar and sherry.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 6-8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 5-7 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Trident is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate. It is also an excellent choice for a cocktail party or any gathering where complex, spirit-forward drinks are appreciated.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Dinner Party

Pairing suggestions

The savory and herbal notes of the Trident pair exceptionally well with salty and fatty foods. Think Scandinavian appetizers like smoked salmon or pickled herring, or a Mediterranean-style charcuterie board with olives and cured meats. It provides a beautiful contrast to rich flavors.
  • Smoked fish (salmon, herring)
  • Cured meats and charcuterie
  • Marinated olives and pickles
  • Hard, salty cheeses

The Trident: A Savory Spear of Flavor

The Trident is a unique and compelling modern classic that stands out for its savory profile. Its equal-parts formula of aquavit, Cynar, and Fino sherry creates a perfectly balanced drink that is herbal, bittersweet, and nutty. Created by Robert Hess, it's an excellent aperitif for those with an adventurous palate looking to explore beyond typical spirit-forward cocktails. It is a testament to how creative ingredient combinations can result in a truly memorable and sophisticated drinking experience.

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