Polar Bear

The Bon Vivants, a San Francisco bar group, and their flagship establishment Trick Dog are behind some of the most inventive cocktails of the modern era. This ingenuity is also evident in the Polar Bear, which combines four ingredients that might not have been combined in a glass outside of this cocktail.

Discover the Polar Bear Cocktail: A Unique Mezcal CreationIntroduction

A notable creation from Trick Dog, a well-known bar in San Francisco, is the Polar Bear cocktail. Cocktail lovers should try this creative concoction, which masterfully blends mezcal, blanc vermouth, crème de menthe, and a homemade angelica tincture. Let us examine this special recipe's specifics and discover the flavors that combine to make this delightful drink.

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Mezcal La Puritita Verdá mezcal, which is made from Espadin agave in the stunning Oaxacan mountains, is featured in The Polar Bear. Earthy undertones and a savory, slightly smoky profile are what make this mezcal so well-known. Its unique flavor pairs beautifully with the other ingredients, adding depth to the cocktail.
2. Blanc Vermouth Blanc vermouth, a flowery and light substitute for dry vermouth, is then added to the cocktail. Usually sweeter than its dry counterpart, blanc vermouth adds notes of fruit, honey, and spice to the drink's complexity.
3. Crème de Menthe The Tempus Fugit crème de menthe, created to honor vintage liqueurs, is used by the Polar Bear. With a hint of cane-sugar sweetness and a fresh, minty flavor profile, this version is created by macerating and distilling peppermint and botanicals. No one has ever seen a green polar bear, so it is imperative to choose white crème de menthe for the cocktail's clarity instead of green, which can cloud the drink's appearance.
4. Angelica Tincture The recipe uses tincture of angelica to add a unique herbal note. Everclear, a high-proof grain alcohol with flavor extraction qualities, can be used to infuse dried angelica root, making this a simple DIY project. Feel free to use store-bought celery bitters instead of the angelica tincture if you would rather have something simpler.

The Polar Bear: A Modern Take on a Classic

Consider the Polar Bear as a playful riff on the traditional Stinger, a pre-Prohibition concoction made with white crème de menthe and cognac. The Stinger has changed over time, using base spirits such as gin instead of cognac. The Polar Bear, a mezcal-based cocktail with the distinctive touches Trick Dog is known for, reimagines this classic.

How to Make the Polar Bear Cocktail

Ingredients:

• Mezcal of La Puritita Verdá, 1½ ounces
• Dolin blanc vermouth, ¾ ounce
• ½ ounce Tempus Fugit crème de menthe
• 6 drops angelica tincture (or celery bitters)

Instructions:

1. The mezcal, blanc vermouth, crème de menthe, and angelica tincture (or celery bitters) should all be combined in a cocktail shaker.
2. When the mixture is well chilled, add more ice to the shaker and shake vigorously.
3. Pour the cocktail through a strainer into a glass that has been chilled.

Conclusion

Trick Dog and The Bon Vivants' inventiveness is exemplified by the Polar Bear cocktail, a delicious concoction of flavors. This drink, which combines mezcal, floral vermouth, minty sweetness, and herbal notes, is ideal for people who want to try new flavors. Do not pass up the opportunity to try the Polar Bear and discover this unusual mixture for yourself if you enjoy inventive cocktails!

Final Thoughts

Enjoy this outstanding cocktail at Trick Dog the next time you are in San Francisco. The Polar Bear promises a delightful drinking experience, regardless of whether you are a cocktail connoisseur or just trying something new.