Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit worth trying! Learn more about this caraway liqueur and its use in cocktails.
Here’s a Scandinavian spirit worth seeking out: aquavit! This neutral distilled liqueur looks a bit like gin but is flavored with cumin and dill instead of juniper. There is a distinctive, savory and herbaceous finish unlike any other spirit! It’s great to drink neat, but even more fun in a cocktail (Nordic Sidecar? Bjorn Collins? Yes, please!).
What is aquavit?
aquavit or Akvavit is a spirit drink (like gin or vodka) that has been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. It is flavored with herbs and spices, mainly cumin and/or dill. Aquavit is the national spirit of Scandinavia, so it’s part of the food and culture in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Most aquavits are unripened, so they are light in color and simple in flavor with a herbal punch. But much of the aquavit made in Norway is aged in sherry casks, giving it a golden color and adding more nuance and sophistication to the taste. (If you can find it, we recommend aged aquavit!)
How does aquavit taste?
Unaged aquavit has a neutral flavor and a herbal and cumin finish: think of it as a less floral version of gin. The matured aquavit has hints of vanilla and oak to complement the cumin and other herbs.
How much alcohol is in Aquavit? It’s 42-45% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a similar alcohol content to vodka and gin.
Are there Aquavit substitutes? Aquavit is similar to gin, but its flavor profile is tastier with cumin as the star instead of juniper. There really is nothing like it!
Why we love it
Aquavit is a unique spirit worth seeking out. If you can find it, opt for aged aquavit: the depth of flavor is much deeper and more nuanced than unaged. Aquavit is often drunk neat, but we like it in cocktails like the Nordic Sidecar or an Aquavit and Tonic (below).
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liqueurs, Aquavit average price. A 750ml bottle costs around $25-$30.
Popular aquavit cocktails
You can drink it neat, at room temperature or chilled, but it’s also great in cocktails! Again, think of it as a spicy gin or herbal vodka. Here are some aquavit cocktails to try:
The Nordic Sidecar is a twist on the classic sour cocktail with aquavit instead of cognac! It’s earthy and tart, with just the right cumin finish. **In the linked recipe, substitute brandy for the aquavit and add 1 ounce of simple syrup.
Ingredients: Aquavit, Cointreau, Lemon, Simple Syrup
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What could be better than a classic G&T… with Aquavit instead! The tonic water brings out the herbal aromas of this liqueur perfectly. Add dill for garnish! ** Replace aquavit with gin in the linked recipe.
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Substituting aquavit for gin, this Nordic version by John Collins creates a delicious plant-based fizzy drink. (We named the drink after my cousin because… why not?)
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The description
Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit worth trying! Here are three ideas for using them in cocktails.
For Nordic sidecar
- 2 ounces aquavit
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- For garnish: dill sprig, lemon zest
For aquivit and tonic
- 2 ounces aquavit
- 4 oz tonic water
- Dill sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish
For Bjorn Collins
- 2 ounces aquavit
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- ½ cup Carbonated water
- Cherry cocktail and lemon wedge for garnish
- For the Nordic Sidecar: Add all ingredients to a shaker with a handful of ice and shake until cool. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass and garnish with dill and a lemon wedge.
- For aquavit and tonic: In a tall cocktail or wine glass, pour plenty of ice and stir to chill the glass. Drain melted water. Pour aquavit. Add toppings. Using a bar spoon, pour the tonic water into the glass (to intensify the bubbles). Stir once and serve.
- For Bjorn Collins: Pour the aquavit, syrup and lemon juice into a glass filled with ice cubes and top up with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cocktail cherry.
- Category: drink
- Method: Shocked
- Kitchen: cocktails
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: Aquavit, aquavit cocktails
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