New Nordic cuisine is a popular trend in Copenhagen, focusing on using local ingredients in innovative ways. This concept has now extended to cocktails in the city.

New Nordic cocktails might involve using ingredients from the forest and sea with a surprising twist or combining familiar childhood flavors in unexpected ways. These drinks are fresh, local, and distinctly Danish.

During my stay at Kurhotel Skodsborg, just outside Copenhagen, I had the chance to try some New Nordic cocktails crafted by renowned bartender Gromit Eduardsen. Gromit, who I first met when he was making his award-winning Copenhagen cocktail, now runs a cocktail bar at Copenhagen Street Food and collaborates with top hotels to create unique drinks.

My daughter, who also enjoys a well-made cocktail, joined me in tasting some of Gromit’s creations at Kurhotel Skodsborg. Gromit generously shared the recipes and inspirations behind the cocktails we tried.

One of the cocktails we enjoyed was the Clover Club, a pink, frothy drink garnished with a fresh raspberry. Despite its feminine appearance, Gromit explained that this classic cocktail originated in a Philadelphia Gentleman’s Club in the 1900s. The ingredients include 50ml Tanqueray Gin, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml raspberry syrup, 10ml sugar syrup, and 1 egg white. To make it, shake all the ingredients with ice to create a foam, then strain into a chilled champagne coupe and garnish with a raspberry.

My choice was the Grapefruit Smash, a refreshing twist on the classic Mojito. Gromit mentioned that while bartenders often prefer to create new drinks, customers love the classics with a unique spin. The ingredients are 50ml Diplimatico Blanco rum, 15ml sugar syrup, 30ml ginger ale, a dash of Peychaud’s bitters, 3 slices of pink grapefruit, 2 lime wedges, and 4 fresh mint sprigs. Muddle the mint, lime, and grapefruit in a glass, add crushed ice, rum, sugar syrup, and bitters, then top with ginger ale.

We also tried the New Nordic Whiskey Sour, a modern take on the classic cocktail from the 1850s. This version includes a cherry wine from Frederiksdal, which adds a Nordic twist. The ingredients are 50ml bourbon, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 30ml sugar syrup, 1 egg white, Frederiksdal cherry wine, a maraschino cherry, and lemon rind for garnish. Shake the liquids with ice, strain into a glass, garnish with lemon zest and a cherry, and drizzle cherry wine on top.

I highly recommend a stay at Kurhotel Skodsborg, a leading Nordic spa hotel with excellent health and fitness facilities. We enjoyed relaxing in the stylish lounge, the various pools, and cooling off in the sea after a sauna. The hotel is just a 30-minute train ride from central Copenhagen, making it a perfect base for exploring the beautiful coastline.

Gromit Eduardsen is a prominent figure in Denmark’s cocktail scene. You can learn more about his work on the Nordic Bar Syndicate website, including where to find his cocktails in Copenhagen.

For more information about activities in Copenhagen, visit the Visit Copenhagen and Visit Denmark websites. We flew with Scandinavian Airlines from London Heathrow to Copenhagen, which offers several daily flights. Upon arrival, you can take a train directly to central Copenhagen or Kurhotel Skodsborg. We used the Copenhagen Card for free public transport and entry to many attractions.

Enjoy your New Nordic cocktail experience!