What do you mix aquavit with?
Another favourite of mine was to take a smoother expression of aquavit, such as a Norwegian style and mix it with Cointreau, lemon juice, sugar and soda. Garnished with a sprig of dill and orange peel. Aquavit pairs beautifully with savoury drinks. So cocktails like Bloody Mary’s work wonders. A Norwegian aquavit aged at sea.
What is the best akvavit substitute?
A crystal clear and un-aged spirit, Aalborg “Table Akvavit” is an excellent Danish specimen. With its sharp and distinctive caraway note, it’s a memorable experience and an excellent choice when using akvavit as a gin substitute. 3. Arcus Lysholm Linie [Norwegian Aquavit]
What is another name for Aquavit?
Aquavit, also spelled aquavite, or akvavit, also called snaps. Has many different spellings depending on what country makes it. Below are a few more; like many spirits, aquavit gets its name from the Latin aqua vitae, Meaning “Water of life”.
What is the best Aquavit to drink?
How To Drink Aquavit & Top 10 Best Brands. 1 1. O.P. Anderson [Swedish Aquavit] 2 2. Aalborg Taffel Akvavit [Danish Akvavit] 3 3. Arcus Lysholm Linie [Norwegian Aquavit] 4 4. Krogstad [American Akvavit] 5 5. Brennivín Special Cask [Icelandic Akvavit] More items
Is aquavit similar to vodka?
So, what is aquavit? Essentially, it's a vodka- or gin-like spirit. By EU decree, aquavit must be distilled with caraway or dill and should have a minimum alcohol by volume of 37.5%, though 40% is usually the average.
What is akvavit similar to?
What Does Aquavit Taste Like? Aquavit, especially when unaged, has a neutral background flavor similar to vodka. At the forefront are the flavorings, with caraway up top—think rye bread but in spirit form. The herbaceous flavor is supported by other aromatics like dill, fennel, anise, and clove.
What is aquavit vs gin?
Aquavit is a traditional spirit from the Scandinavian peninsula. If gin is vodka flavored with juniper berries, aquavit is vodka flavored with either dill or caraway. Like gin, other ingredients can be used to flavor the spirit, typically cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel, grains of paradise, and citrus peels.
Does aquavit taste like licorice?
“We asked one of the Norwegian cast members her opinion of Aquavit, and we were greeted with a wrinkled-up nose. I gotta tell ya, after sipping it, I'd agree with the summation. We decided that it tasted a whole lot like cough syrup…but licorice cough syrup, which is a little better than normal I guess.
What is the flavor of aquavit?
A neutral spirit distilled from grain or potato (much like vodka or gin), aquavit is most commonly flavored with caraway as its dominant spice, though dill is prevalent as well. Styles of aquavit vary and often include other spices, such as fennel, coriander, citrus and anise.
Is aquavit the same as schnapps?
Aquavit is also known in Scandinavia as snaps, a word connoting a drink that is tossed back in one shot. American schnapps may be linguistically related, but this heavily sweetened spirit—flavored with licorice, spearmint, peach, or apricot—tastes nothing like the snaps to which Swedes and Danes are accustomed.
Can you buy aquavit in the United States?
Imports to the United States have also revived as Nordic distillers see new interest in the spirit. Under American regulations, all aquavit must be flavored with caraway, but the addition of other botanicals gives aquavit a very wide range of flavors. Below is a list of aquavits one may find in American liquor stores.
How much is a bottle of aquavit?
Pricing: How Much Does Aquavit Cost? Given its rarity and the fact that it tends to be exceptionally imported, akvavit prices can greatly vary. In most cases, a bottle of akvavit shouldn't set you back more than $30. However, certain small-batch and artisanal brands may cost you over $50.
What are the ingredients in aquavit?
It is distilled from a fermented potato or grain mash, redistilled in the presence of flavouring agents, filtered with charcoal, and usually bottled without aging. Various aromatic flavourings are employed, usually including caraway or cumin seed; lemon or orange peel, cardamom, aniseed, and fennel also may be used.
What alcohol do Scandinavians drink?
aquavitAkvavit or aquavit (/ˈɑːkwəviːt, -və-/; also akevitt in Norwegian; aquavit in English) is a distilled spirit that is principally produced in Scandinavia, where it has been produced since the 15th century. Akvavit is distilled from grain or potatoes, and is flavoured with a variety of herbs.
What is Sweden's national drink?
Referred to as brännvin in Sweden, schnapps (or snaps) is the country's preferred distilled liquor from potatoes or grains. Drinking it is a right of passage woven into the Nordic country's history, particularly given the idyllic growing conditions for barley, rye and wheat, rather than grapes.
What liquor do Norwegians drink?
akvavitBeer and vodka are the only alcoholic beverages produced in Norway in any quantity. Norwegian vodka is of particular note and is produced by several distilleries and under several brands. Some akvavit, a traditional Scandinavian flavored spirit, is also made in Norway.
Production, Types, and Recipes
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
What Is Aquavit Made From?
Aquavit is produced very much like vodka or gin, with a distillate of neutral grains or potatoes and infusion of flavoring ingredients. While caraway is the signature spice of aquavit, dill is also very common. The European Union (EU) law requires that caraway and/or dill are included, though other herbs, spices, and citrus flavorings are allowed.
What Does Aquavit Taste Like?
Aquavit, especially when unaged, has a neutral background flavor similar to vodka. At the forefront are the flavorings, with caraway up top—think rye bread but in spirit form. The herbaceous flavor is supported by other aromatics like dill, fennel, anise, and clove.
Types
The regional differences in the production of aquavit result in a range of flavor profiles. Though each is dominated by caraway or dill, the background often focuses on a secondary spice and can vary widely.
Where to Buy
Aquavit is a little harder to find in the U.S. than in Europe. And while you likely won't be able to grab a bottle at the corner store, you should be able to find a few options at a liquor store with a good selection. Most bars and restaurants will have one aquavit selection, sometimes listed in the liqueurs section of the menu.
How to Drink Aquavit
Traditionally, aquavit is enjoyed straight either chilled or at room temperature. In Sweden and Denmark, un-aged aquavit is typically served very cold in shot glasses or stemmed liquor glasses. In Norway, aged aquavit is often served at room temperature in order to fully appreciate the flavor nuances imparted by the barrels.
Cocktail Recipes
Swap the vodka or gin in these cocktails with aquavit for a fresh take on the classics.
What is Aquavit?
Skál! That’s Nordic for, cheers! Anyway. Aquavit, also known as aquavite, akvavit or akevitt. We are hearing more and more about it. So what the hell is it?
What does Aquavit taste like?
Aquavit is much like gin. However, instead of a predominant flavour of juniper, Aquavit has a dominant flavour of caraway. Essentially, making aquavit a heavily spiced flavoured vodka. In short, a good word to sum up the taste of Aquavit is “Savoury”
The history of Aquavit
In the early days. 15th century early days. Aqua vitae (Water of Life) as mentioned above, was a basic distilled spirit where most of today’s spirits originate from, including Gin and whisky. Almost every country had a version of Aqua vitae in some form or another.
How Aquavit is made
Much like Vodka, Aquavit is made by distilling grains or vodka into a clear, flavourless neutral spirit. Ingredients, mainly caraway and an array of other spices and herbs are then added to that neutral spirit. Which is then re-distilled and diluted with water to reach the much more palatable alcohol percentage of a minimum 37.5% and up to 45%.
About Caraway
You probably most recognise caraway seeds from rye bread. Caraway has a flavour that’s a cross between cumin and fennel with hints of anise. It’s a herb relative to parsley and coriander.
Styles of Aquavit
Danish aquavit is a lot rougher on the palette then other styles. Due to the fact neither the aquavit distillates nor the liquid are matured. They tend to have a stronger dill and coriander flavour. It works great in cocktails to add a bit of spice and complexity.
How to drink Aquavit
Aquavit, is a big part of the Nordic, Scandinavian drinking culture. Because of the culture behind the drink, it’s traditionally drunk at special events. Think Christmas, birthdays and celebrations.
What's Available to Buy?
Tracking down aquavit falls somewhere in the middle of the difficulty scale. It's not something your average liquor store stocks, but I've seen Linie aquavit for around $30 at BevMo and specialty shops. Linie is aged in sherry barrels as it takes an ocean voyage from Norway to Australia and then back again.
Why DIY?
Everyone has their own unique tastes, but that seems to be especially true when it comes to aquavit. For some people, bitter and bolder is better, while other people may want to dial down the caraway seed and licorice for a more subtle flavor.
Use It!
You should try your homemade aquavit straight up—one tradition is to serve it alongside a beer. But don't be afraid to mix with this stuff. Try it in place of vodka, gin, or tequila in a recipe for a savory twist. My favorite way to use homemade aquavit is in a fresh Bloody Mary.
What Is Aquavit?
Aquavit or akvavit is a distilled spirit from Europe’s Scandinavian and Nordic countries that plays an important part of their cultural heritage. Outside of these countries, akvavit isn’t particularly well known unless there are strong Scandinavian communities nearby.
The History Of Akvavit
Although akvavit likely existed well before then, it was first recorded in 1531 in a letter from the Danish Lord Eske Bille. Writing to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Norway, Olav Engelbrektsson, Bille included a bottle of the spirit stating that this “Aqua Vite” helped for both internal and external illnesses.
What Does Akvavit Taste Like?
Given that akvavit varies from country to country, it doesn’t always taste the same. Generally, most will be flavoured with caraway and dill, which results in these being the most distinctive flavours.
Different Types & Varieties Of Akvavit
As we’ve already mentioned on several occasions, there are several varieties due to the different countries that produce akvavit. In this section, we’ll explore their similarities and differences in much greater detail.
How To Serve & Drink Akvavit
Although akvavit is enjoyed in a variety of countries with their own unique cultures, the way that it is enjoyed tends to be rather similar. As mentioned earlier in this guide, it is a popular beverage for social and festive gatherings.
Popular Akvavit Cocktail Recipes
Unlike its cousin, gin, akvavit is not a particularly popular base spirit for cocktails. However, many Scandinavian and foreign mixologists are actively seeking to raise awareness of the drink while also incorporate it into modern cocktails.
Similar Drinks & Akvavit Substitutes
Traditionally speaking, there are no real substitutes to akvavit when participating in Scandinavian social gatherings. However, if you need alternatives for cocktails or other circumstances, there’s plenty to choose from.
Get the scoop on this beloved Scandinavian spirit
Amanda Gryphon (née Marsteller) is a digital content producer focused on food and drink. Her experience spans writing, editing and video production.
1. Aquavit Is Especially Good for Caraway (and Dill) Lovers
If you believe nothing compares to a quality loaf of rye bread, chances are you’ll love aquavit. A neutral spirit distilled from grain or potato (much like vodka or gin), aquavit is most commonly flavored with caraway as its dominant spice, though dill is prevalent as well.
2. Aquavit Is the National Spirit of Scandinavia
Heading to Sweden, Norway or Denmark? It won’t be long before you’re presented with a glass of aquavit. Caraway has long been a common flavor in the region and was once considered a cure for indigestion.
3. Aquavit Was Once Believed to Have Healing Powers
Aquavit is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning “water of life.” The name comes from early distillers believing spirits to be a healing liquid, and the convention is shared by other liquors, such as the word whiskey stemming from Gaelic’s uisce beatha or brandy being referred to as eau-de-vie .
4. You Can Toast Like a Viking with Aquavit
A common toast throughout the Nordic countries when celebrating, skol (also skål) is shouted right before downing aquavit. When lifting your glass to give a skol, it’s traditional to maintain eye contact.
5. Aquavit Is a Bit of a Party Animal
Though aquavit is enjoyed year-round in Scandinavia, it’s especially prevalent during special occasions and holidays. For Norwegians, May 17 is Constitution Day, a holiday that’s celebrated with parades, parties and plenty of aquavit. In Sweden and Denmark, it’s drunk socially during midsummer dinners to the tune of raucous drinking songs.
6. Aquavit Varies Depending on the Region
The specific herbs and spices used to flavor aquavit are determined by local preference and cuisine. Swedish and Danish aquavit is usually distilled from grain, while Norwegian aquavit is traditionally made from potatoes. Danish aquavit leans heavier on dill, coriander and caraway and is enjoyed as a chilled shot at midday lunch.
