Arctic Star

Created by Johnny Hall

There’s a story behind every great cocktail. This one is inspired by, and dedicated to the brave men and women of the Royal and Merchant Navies who took part in the Arctic Convoy runs during World War Two.

Cameron Taylor, grandson of Royal Navy Veteran AB William Taylor approached Johnny Hall to create an Arctic Convoy inspired cocktail to honor his grandpa’s memory. The trips between the north of Scotland to the Soviet ports within the Arctic Circle delivered vital food, munitions and supplies to keep Britain’s ally in the war. Described by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill as “the worst journey in the world”, these sailors navigated gale-force winds, sub-zero temperatures, mines, and Nazi submarines to deliver their precious cargo.  

Veterans of the Arctic Convoys, including AB William Taylor, who took part in six convoys while serving on the HMS Vigilant between 1942 - 1946, were recognized with the Arctic Star medal which was created by the British Government in 2012.

When he approached Broken Shed Ambassador Johnny Hall with the idea for this cocktail, Cameron Taylor had only two requirements in mind.

1. Broken Shed Vodka must be the hero ingredient. Vodka is the spirit of choice within the Arctic Circle, but the use of Broken Shed is symbolic of AB William Taylor later emigrating to New Zealand.
2. This cocktail must also include Scotch Whisky, both in recognition of AB William Taylor’s Scottish home, and the start point of the Arctic Convoys.

Taking inspiration from naval rations, the Arctic Star recipe calls for a quintessentially British Earl Grey tea-infused Broken Shed Vodka to be combined with bitters and sweet orange marmalade. Scotland is credited with developing marmalade in the 18th century and it was rationed to one jar every two months per person during WWII. Plus, oranges were such a rarity and novelty in the UK during this time, often left in Christmas stockings as presents. A peated whisky mist gives this cocktail a lovely nose without overpowering the vodka, while also serving as a visual reference to the dangers of fog en route to the Soviet ports.