Tovarich
A sharp, herbal sour balancing vodka with the caraway punch of Kümmel.
Base spirit
Vodka
Style
Sour
Glassware
Coupe
The Tovarich is a bold, savory-leaning sour that uses Kümmel—a caraway and cumin liqueur—to give character to the vodka base. Lime juice cuts through the liqueur's intense spice, creating a drink that is aromatic, dry, and distinctly European. It serves as a fascinating example of how bartenders in the 1930s tried to give the neutral spirit a specific regional identity. The flavor profile is closer to an Aquavit cocktail than a modern fruit sour.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 1.5 oz vodka
- • 0.5 oz Kümmel
- • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
Did you know?
“The name means 'Comrade' in Russian, reflecting the 1930s trend of assigning Soviet-themed names to vodka cocktails regardless of their actual origin.”
Source:Savoy Cocktail Book; vintage bar manuals
Bartender's Note
Kümmel is potent; measure carefully to prevent it from overpowering the lime.
How to make the Tovarich
- 1Add vodka, Kümmel, and lime juice to a shaker with ice
- 2Shake well to chill and dilute
- 3Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- 4Garnish with a lime twist
