Overview
When Tandem, Newtown's Copenhagen-inspired neighbourhood bar, arrived on the scene in 2018, it promised to break us out of our comfort zone. And with its brand new cocktail menu, it's doing just that. At its heart is aquavit, a spirit that Scandinavians have been making for more than 700 years. It's a bit like gin but is distilled from caraway seeds, instead of juniper, which means that you end up with a heady explosion of herbs and spices, like dill, anise and cardamom.
Yep, it's exactly what you need to drink your way through a long, snowy, Danish winter — or a cool Newtown autumn. And, to mark the coming of the cold, Tandem founder Peter Lynn has created seven signature cocktails all inspired by aquavit. It's a versatile spirit, so, at one at end of the spectrum, you might find a light drop like the traditional Danish Aalborg in a fruity spritz and, at the other, a barrel-aged version such as Linie — which is aged on the top decks of ships travelling the world — in a stirred-down, late-night drink.
"Aquavit's slightly savoury notes are so evocative of Danish hospitality and cuisine," says Lynn. "Every home in Scandinavia would have bottles of Aquavit in the pantry — after all, that's why it means 'water of life'."
Keen to try it out? You're in luck — we're giving away a night out a Tandem. You and a mate will enjoy an aquavit cocktail each, an aquavit tasting experience and a large cheese board to share. You'll be enjoying them in Tandem's cosy quarters, designed to feel like a lounge room in a Copenhagen apartment and inspired by Lynn's mum and his adventures as a bartender in the city.
Enter with your details below for a chance to win.
Images: Nic Newland and Newtown Photography.