Avalon
A refreshing and prize-winning long drink created by Timo Haimi, which took first place in the 1991 Finlandia Vodka Long Drink Competition. It features a vibrant combination of vodka, fruit juices, and the distinct banana flavor of Pisang Ambon, garnished with a signature cucumber spiral.
What it tastes like
This drink has a strong aroma of green banana and tart apple. It feels light and effervescent on the palate with a sugary, fruit-forward profile. The finish is short and clean, leaving a lingering taste of lemon zest and synthetic banana.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Vodka1.5 oz
- Pisang Ambon0.5 oz
- Apple Juice3 oz
- Lemon Juice0.75 oz
- Lemonade2 oz
- Cucumber Skin (Spiraled)1 slice
- Red Cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Fill a highball glass completely with fresh ice cubes.
- 2
Pour the Vodka, lemon juice, apple juice, and Pisang Ambon into the glass.
- 3
Top up with lemonade.
- 4
Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing effervescence.
- 5
Garnish with a spiraled cucumber skin and a red cherry placed on top.
Substitutions
- Pisang AmbonMidori — Substituting with melon liqueur maintains the bright green color while shifting the flavor from banana to honeydew.
- LemonadeClub Soda — Replacing the sweet lemonade with soda water creates a much drier drink and highlights the tartness of the lemon juice.
- Apple JuicePineapple Juice — This change gives the drink a thicker texture and a more tropical, acidic fruit profile.
- VodkaGin — Using gin adds a botanical layer of juniper that cuts through the heavy fruit sugars.
Variations
Avalon Spritz
Replace the lemonade with dry sparkling wine for a more alcoholic version with a crisp, dry finish.
Spiced Avalon
Use a spiced rum instead of vodka to add notes of vanilla and cinnamon that complement the apple and banana flavors.