Here’s a Scandinavian spirit that’s worth seeking out: Aquavit! This neutral distilled liquor is a bit like gin, but it’s flavored with caraway and dill instead of juniper. It makes for a distinctive, savory and herbal finish that’s unlike any other spirit! It’s great for drinking straight up, but even more fun in cocktails (Nordic Sidecar? Bjorn Collins? Yes please!).
What is Aquavit?
Aquavit or Akvavit is a distilled spirit (like gin or vodka) that’s been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. It’s flavored with herbs and spices, primarily caraway and/or dill. Aquavit is the national spirit of Scandinavia, so it’s part of meals and culture in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Most aquavit is unaged, so it’s clear in color and straightforward in flavor, with an herbal punch. But much of the aquavit made in Norway is aged in sherry casks, which makes it golden in color and gives more nuance and sophistication to the flavor. (If you can find it, we recommend aged aquavit!)
What does aquavit taste like?
Unaged aquavit has a neutral flavor and a herbal, caraway finish: think of it like a less-floral version of gin. Aged aquavit has notes of vanilla and oak to compliment the caraway and other herbs. How much alcohol is in Aquavit? It is 42 to 45% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has an alcohol content similar to vodka and gin. Are there any Aquavit substitutes? Aquavit is similar to gin, but its flavor profile is more savory with caraway as the star instead of juniper. There’s really nothing like the real thing!
Why we like it
Aquavit is a unique spirit that’s worth seeking out. If you can find it, go for aged aquavit: the depth in flavor is much deeper and more nuanced than unaged. Aquavit is often drunk straight, but we like it in cocktails like the Nordic Sidecar or an Aquavit and Tonic (below).
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Aquavit is mid-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $25 to $30.
Popular Aquavit cocktails
You can drink it straight up, room temperature or chilled, but it’s also great in cocktails! Again, think of it as a savory gin or an herbal vodka. Here are a few Aquavit cocktails to try:
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending: Ingredients: Aquavit, Cointreau, lemon, simple syrup 5 from 1 review
2 ounces aquavit 1 ounce Cointreau 1 ounce lemon juice ½ ounce simple syrup For the garnish: dill sprig, lemon peel
For the Aquivit and tonic
2 ounces aquavit 4 ounces tonic water Dill sprigs and lemon wedges, for the garnish
For the Bjorn Collins
2 ounces aquavit 1 ounce simple syrup 1 ounce lemon juice ½ cup soda water Cocktail cherry and lemon wheel, to garnish
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