The Screaming Viking – The Fictional Cheers Cocktail Made Real
The Screaming Viking started as a joke on the TV show Cheers, when Woody Boyd tried to mix one for a customer who may not have existed. Today it’s a playful, refreshing cucumber-vodka cocktail that brings the sitcom legend to life in your glass.
From Sitcom Gag to Real-Life Cocktail
The Screaming Viking made its debut on Cheers (Season 3, Episode 6, “Coach in Love, Part 1”). In that scene, bartender Woody Boyd “bruised” a cucumber and declared the drink complete — a wink to the absurd creativity of bar culture. Decades later, fans have turned the bit into a genuine, refreshing recipe built around vodka, lime, and cucumber.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Vodka – Clean base that lets cucumber and citrus shine.
- Lime Juice – Adds bright acidity for balance.
- Simple Syrup – Softens the tartness for smoother sipping.
- Cucumber Slices – Bruised or muddled for crisp aroma.
Equipment Shaker, strainer, and a chilled cocktail glass.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s equal parts nostalgia and refreshment — the kind of drink that makes you grin while cooling you down. The citrus snap and cucumber aroma hit just right, whether you’re watching reruns or hosting a themed trivia night.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap vodka for gin to add herbal depth.
- Use lemon juice if limes aren’t handy.
- Add a splash of soda water for a lighter highball version.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t over-muddle: bruising the cucumber releases flavor without bitterness.
- Shake hard for 10 seconds to chill and aerate.
- Chill the glass to keep every sip crisp.
Screaming Viking Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 2 slices Cucumber
Directions
- Lightly bruise or muddle cucumber slices in a shaker.
- Add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Optional: Garnish with a cucumber wheel or celery stick for a true Cheers-style touch.
A once-fictional bar order turned cult classic, the Screaming Viking proves that even sitcom jokes can taste great — simple, refreshing, and a little bit legendary.
