Skagerrak Society

Nordic Collaboration and a Modern Approach

Skagerrak Nordic Dry Gin was created through a collaboration of six bartenders from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The goal was not to produce another standard London Dry, but to develop a gin that reflects the character of the Nordic region and the coastal environment surrounding the Skagerrak strait.

The gin is built on a classic juniper backbone, complemented by botanicals typical for the North – sea buckthorn, rosehip, and subtle herbal and floral notes. The result is fresh, lightly citrus-driven, and well balanced. It is neither overly aromatic nor heavy, making it a suitable base for modern, clean cocktail structures.

When working with a gin like this, it makes sense to choose techniques that support its character rather than mask it.

Technique as a Tool

In the drink Skagerrak Society, the focus is on precision and control of each layer.

The infusion of peach liqueur with knotweed and torched lemon is prepared using an ultrasonic bath. Ultrasonic extraction allows for efficient release of aromatic compounds without excessive bitterness or thermal stress. The result is a cleaner and more stable aromatic profile.

We apply the same approach to citrus. Yellow grapefruit is clarified using the enzyme pectinase. Pectin naturally causes cloudiness and higher viscosity in juice. By breaking it down, we obtain a clear liquid with pronounced aroma and lighter texture. This allows the gin to remain more expressive within the drink.

Skagerrak Society

Skagerrak Society is a carbonated highball built on a balanced interplay between gin, bitterness, and subtle fruit notes.

Ingredients:

Skagerrak: 35 ml
Infused Peach Liqueur with Knotweed and Torched Lemon: 15 ml
Campari: 15 ml
Yellow Grapefruit (clarified): 60 ml
Peach and Jasmine Lemonade: 20 ml
CO2

Skagerrak remains clearly identifiable in the final profile. Peach and jasmine bring softness, Campari adds contrast, and carbonation provides lift and structure. The result is a fresh, clean highball with clearly defined balance.

Pectinase Yellow Grapefruit

To clarify the grapefruit, we use juice and the enzyme pectinase.

For 1 liter of juice, use 2 g of the enzyme. Pour the juice into a container, add pectinase, and incorporate it evenly using an immersion blender. Allow the mixture to rest for several hours until natural separation occurs.

Alternatively, use a sous-vide method for 2–3 hours at 45 °C, then strain through gauze.

The result is clear grapefruit water with pronounced aroma and lighter texture.

Skagerrak Society

Skagerrak was created through collaboration between bartenders. Skagerrak Society demonstrates how such a brand can be approached with technical precision and without unnecessary embellishment.

Modern bars today work with tools that allow better control over texture and aroma. The enzymes used in this drink are one of those tools — and they are available in our e-shop.

Majky

Michal Dojčák has been Head Bartender at Sky Bar since 2019. He specializes in experimenting with ingredients to create unique cocktails, utilizing technologies such as homogenizer, cryo, rotavaps and distillation. Currently, Michal is working especially with enzymes. He is also an artist, and incorporates his art in the creation and presentation of his drinks.

Michal has won several competitions, most notable being the national finals of the World Class competition in 2024. He went on to represent Slovakia on the global stage in Shanghai, finishing 13th.

At The Cocktail Balance he will be our Töufood expert, developing new recipes and various applications of their products to the bar industry.

http://www.instagram.com/dojcak_michal
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