Last Friday afternoon we were lucky enough to have a visit from our Finlandia Global Brand Mixologist, Pekka Pellinen. He took a break from training London bartenders, advising the Finlandia account team on seasonal serves and entertaining the Finnish Embassy to teach us W+Kers a thing or two about mixing drinks.

He started out by explaining the 4 key elements to a perfect cocktail: something sweet, something sour, a spirit and a mixer, before we were let loose to try it ourselves on the DIY bar.

We were then taught how to make a wood chip smoked bloody mary, a flaming Finlandia bottle centrepiece and to saber a bottle of champagne – definitely an afternoon to remember.

As well as being the purest vodka in the world, the Finlandia range encompasses flavoured vodkas that perfectly lend themselves to mixing. We tried a few of Pekka's delicious concoctions that use them, including the Helsinki Mule and the Fin and Tonic. Here are a couple of Pekka's recipes so you can try them yourselves (no saber necessary):

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Helsinki Mule

4cl Finlandia Lime

Dash of fresh lime juice

Ginger beer

Glass: Highball

Method: Flame and build over crushed ice

Garnish: Cucumber stalk and lime wedge

Fin and Tonic

4cl Finlandia Grapefruit

Tonic Water

Glass: Highball

Method: Pour over ice cubes and stir

Garnish: Square of fresh grapefruit

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Thank you Pekka for coming in! It only seems right to end this post with his favourite joke – What’s the difference between a barman and a mixologist? 

A mixologist always wears a silly hat.