Reykjavik is known for many things – the Northern Lights, the Blue Lagoon, the architecture, the music scene. In fact, the city shares a lot of traits with its sister city right here in Seattle – including our love for distilled spirits.

That’s where Snorri Jónsson comes in. Fifteen years ago, Jónsson, along with his partner Judith, founded 64°Reykjavik Distillery – one of the earliest distilleries to set up production on the Nordic island nation.

Jónsson’s journey into the world of spirits began long before the distillery’s official launch. Inspired by his father’s homemade Icelandic spirits, Snorri recognized early on that distilling could be hard work, but with effort and passion, the results can pay off.

“I was amazed by [my father’s] effort and the time he invested into his distilling,” Jónsson recalls, highlighting the roots of his passion for quality distillation. “The results were also fantastic. He made the best spirit in town.”

It’s less about being the first

As one of the oldest legally operating distilleries in Iceland, Jónsson makes sure that 64°Reykjavik Distillery doesn’t just rest on its laurels. “It’s less about being the first, and more about doing the best job, making truly unique quality products,” he states. 

Today, the range of 64° expressions gleaned from the Iceland’s berries and botanicals can be found in a wide range of spirits – from vodka to gin, to aquavit. The line also includes a handful of tasty berry liqueurs that can highlight the perfect cocktail or be enjoyed as a sipper.

When it comes to cocktails Jónsson appreciates the classics like the Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Margarita. And of course, he enjoys them with a 64° twist, like his creation of the 64°Blueberry Margarita.

“The inspiration was obviously the original margarita,” Jónsson explained. “We wanted to give it a new, fresh touch with an Icelandic twist, directly from Icelandic nature, where the berries are foraged.” 

Asked what type of food he might pair with his cocktail, Jónsson chimes in with “salty food, surely.” He also notes that “the acidity harmonizes with butter or fat.” He can imagine enjoying it with an open-faced sandwich with cured salmon and egg.

So can we.

The 64°Blueberry Margarita

30ml favorite Mezcal
30ml 64°Reykjavik Blueberry liqueur
20ml fresh squeezed Lime juice

Shaken on Ice. Strained in cooled martini or coupe glass.