Italian Greyhound Cocktails in Stockholm

Restaurang Ljunggren, Götgatan

itgreyhound — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:43:56 +0000

Nice, sweet juicy Italian Greyhound at a beautiful lounge in this Söder restaurant. The glass was carved in a style that reminded me of tiki, which brings to mind Trader Vic’s, which is one of my favs in LA. All around fun times, good drink.

Actually sat at the right corner, facing the table that’s in the center of this photo. Yeah, places in Stockholm are just beautiful, and there aren’t the annoying/trashy skanks & tools that take over such destinations in Los Angeles.

> Restaurang Ljunggren

Debaser Slussen again

itgreyhound — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:59:07 +0000

Yes, I ordered in Swedish. However, neither the bartender nor my Swedish friend didn’t seem to disapprove of my phrasing.

So why did I get a vodka soda with a glass of pineapple juice on ice? Sure, they were out of grapefruit juice, perhaps due to a city-wide mania for Italian Greyhounds (if only). But that shouldn’t stop the bartender from adding “ett liten ananas juice” to the vodka soda.

> Debaser

Indigo, Södermalm

itgreyhound — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:40:17 +0000

Love Indigo’s perfect size, great crowd, and bright decor. The bar boasts its own varied drinks menu, categorized by urges (sweet, refreshing, and other headings I forget). Nonetheless, I ordered the Italian Greyhound in Swedish, which means I had to explain it a few times.

The drink was fine, considering I probably annoyed the bartender with my terrible pronunciation and non-standard order. He served me a vodka soda and handed me the grapefruit juice can to splash at my own discretion. It’s unfortunate because the inventive drinks menu demonstrates a spirit of mixology capable of going beyond my uninspired drink, indifferently served.

> info about Indigo

Hotel Rival, Mariatorget

itgreyhound — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:05:55 +0000

Mariatorget is my fav neighborhood in Södermalm. Love the little park, the trees, cafes, and Chic bakery. The Hotel Rival can satisfy one’s Abba longing by association; it’s owned by Benny Andersson of the famed band.

The hotel’s design reminds me a bit of Russian Constructivism and 1930s furniture. The speakers at the bar remind me of shower radios and 1980s Sony knockoffs. The distorted bass didn’t quite enhance the awful R&B selected by a strategically hidden DJ.

Drank the Italian Greyhound quickly. Works fine that way, too.

> Hotel Rival

Södra Teatern

itgreyhound — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 23:28:09 +0000

Housed in a 19th century inn, Södra Teatern features concerts, theatre, clubs, and debate, all according to its site. On July 4th, synth band Lip Service played upstairs, but we hung out in the beautiful terrace. The terrace shares the view with Mosebacke, its next door rowdier neighbor.

In the old fashioned bar, the bartender contemplated the drink order for a moment, then began mixing his precise execution. He began by cutting a chunk of grapefruit and muddling it at the bottom of the glass. To it, he added ice cubes, vodka, soda, and a splash of juice. He tasted the stirrer before serving the cocktail, which of course boded well for the Italian Greyhound.

Södra Teatern’s fantastic iteration of the Italian Greyhound derives its distinct personality from the flavor of the grapefruit peel. Brilliant touch.

> Södra Teatern

East, Stureplan

itgreyhound — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:51:43 +0000

Turns out East, the once Asian-themed restaurant club, has had a 60s psychedelic face lift and now features hip hop nights. Don’t look for a logical connection – just enjoy the Yellow Submarine-esque wall illustrations. Tall, thin, and ultimately basic could describe both the Italian Greyhound and the clientèle.

> East

Mosebacke, Södermalm

itgreyhound — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 22:39:30 +0000

Mosebacke’s great. It’s really fun to have such a casual place with the incredible view of town from the bluffs of Södermalm.

The long picnic tables call for refreshing beverages, and true to local convention, beer in stackable glasses populate said tables rather generously.

The Italian Greyhound was pretty juicy. Sometimes that’s good for variety. I guess I’m easy to please. Bonus: tall glass.

> Mosebacke

Debaser Slussen

itgreyhound — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:30:37 +0000

Perhaps the top rock bar in Stockholm, Debaser bustles with hipsters mostly clamoring for glasses of beer at the bar. A few wine glasses hover about, and mixed drinks rarely make an appearance at the cool table.

Nonetheless, the bartender made a perfectly good greyhound. Canned juice again. Basic low glass.

Now’s as good a time as any to note that the straws are quite thick and rigid here!

> Debaser

Bon Magazine Party at F12 Terrassen

itgreyhound — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 22:24:32 +0000

June 6 is Sweden’s National Day. I was lucky enough to be invited to a cool, fun BBQ and a cool, glam magazine issue premiere party. The latter took place at the gorgeous terrace of F12, a bar and restaurant in the center of town. Stockholm being a capital city, center of town also means proximity to a lot of government buildings. International intrigue adds to the ambiance any night.

The Italian Greyhound (or greyhounds?) I had was serviceable. The proportions were good: just a splash of juice, a balance between vodka and soda. The juice arrived in a can, which is surprisingly fresh-tasting. The bartender topped off the drink with a slice of lemon. Delicious though unremarkable. Well, it was an open bar after all.

> F12 Terrassen

First italian greyhound at the First Hotel Reisen, Gamla Stan

itgreyhound — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:03:45 +0000

My first Italian Greyhound was amazing. The bartender confidently composed the drink and even dunked a huge slice of grapefruit into the glass. Not to mention the fact that he had an actual grapefruit on hand to slice. Very impressive.

> First Hotel Reisen