Cocktail Pairings for National Oyster Day

Friday, August 5 is National Oyster Day, a celebration of all things related to delicate and delicious mollusks. Looking for the best way to commemorate the cousin of the clam? Here’s a pearl of wisdom, don’t settle for champagne and oyster pairings, instead turn up this year’s National Oyster Day with some unique new pairings from Pekka Pellinen, Finlandia Vodka Global Master Mixologist.

“My favorite pairing for oysters is a dry and slightly savory cocktail,” explains Pellinen.

The master mixologist has compiled a couple of suggestions for perfectly pairing cocktails with oysters, featuring Finlandia Botanical expressions Cucumber & Mint as well as Wildberry & Rose. Along with the summer spritzes, we’ve also included Pekka’s recipe for the savory Eastern Salty Martini made with Finlandia Vodka.

Shot on location at Royal Boucherie in Old City, Philadelphia.

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“The light, crisp and dry flavor of Finlandia Botanical Cucumber & Mint lends itself perfectly to pairing with the delicate flavors and salinity of oysters. It can even be poured directly on top of a briny oyster or made into granita in place of mignonette — this works especially well with a creamy and light east coast oyster. Finlandia Botanical provides a refreshing bite of cucumber and mint that can even intensify the flavor of certain oysters and serves as a palate cleanser between bites.  When enjoying this oyster and Cucumber & Mint Spritz combo, it reminds me of a perfect Finnish summer day.”

MINT SPRITZ

Courtesy of Finlandia Global Brand Mixologist Pekka Pellinen

PHOTO: Mint Spritz  

Credit: Dominic Episcopo

Ingredients: 

• 5 oz of Finlandia Botanical Cucumber & Mint
• 4 oz of premium seltzer water (or tonic)
• Squeeze of lime juice

Glassware: Copa 

Garnish: Rim glass with a wheel of lime, slice of cucumber and/or mint sprig 

Instructions: Add ingredients to a glass and stir.

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“Wildberry and rose might not immediately come to mind when you think of oysters, but not only does this cocktail match a super plump sweeter oyster such as Kumamotos, it also lends itself to the flavors of both caviar and high-grade tuna. The Wildberry & Rose spritz is refreshing but not too sweet and is also delicate enough to not overpower the creamy sweetness of these jewels of the sea.”

ROSE SPRITZ 

Courtesy of Finlandia Global Brand Mixologist Pekka Pellinen

PHOTO: Rose Spritz  

Credit to Dominic Episcopo

Ingredients: 

• 5 oz of Finlandia Botanical Wildberry & Rose
• 4 oz of premium seltzer water (or tonic)
• Squeeze of lime juice

Glassware: Copa 

Garnish: Rim glass with a wheel of lime and/or rose petals 

Instructions: Add ingredients to a glass and stir. 

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EASTERN SALTY MARTINI 

Courtesy of Finlandia Global Brand Mixologist Pekka Pellinen

PHOTO: Eastern Salty Martini  

Credit: Dominic Episcopo

Ingredients: 

• 5 oz of Finlandia Vodka
• 5 oz of Dry Vermouth
• 1 bar spoon of Manzanilla or dry sherry
• 2 bar spoons of Pickled Russian Cucumber Brine

Glassware: Martini 

Garnish: Pickled cucumber  

Instructions: Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain in chilled glass.
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 (30% ABV) is an exceptionally smooth, fresh-tasting spirit with no artificial flavors, is naturally gluten-free, contains no added sugars, no artificial sweeteners and is only 73 calories. The two infusions, Cucumber & Mint and Wildberry & Rose, combine Finlandia’s iconic purity and smoothness with the natural flavors of berries and fruit, and the fresh, crisp notes of botanicals.

– Wayne Dreuitt