Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit that’s worth seeking out! Here’s more about this caraway-flavored liquor and how to use it in cocktails.
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:
Aquavit Cocktails
The Nordic Sidecar is a spin on the classic sour cocktail using Aquavit instead of Cognac! Its earthy and tangy, with just the right caraway finish. **In the linked recipe, substitute aquavit for Cognac add 1 ounce simple syrup.
Ingredients: Aquavit, Cointreau, lemon, simple syrup
What's better than a classic G&T...with aquavit instead! The tonic water opens up the herbal flavors in this liquor perfectly. Add dill for a garnish! **In the linked recipe, swap aquavit for gin.
This Nordic spin on the John Collins swaps the gin for aquavit, making a deliciously herbal, bubbly drink. (We named the drink after my cousin because...why not?)
Quick Guide to Aquavit & Cocktails
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit that’s worth seeking out! Here’s three ideas of how to use it in cocktails.
Ingredients
For the Nordic sidecar
- 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
Instructions
- For the Nordic Sidecar: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass and garnish with dill and a lemon peel.
- For the Aquavit and Tonic: Add lots of ice to a large cocktail or wine glass and stir to chill the glass. Drain any melted water. Pour in the aquavit. Add the garnishes. Pour the tonic water onto a bar spoon into the glass (to increase the bubbles). Stir once and serve.
- For the Bjorn Collins: Add the aquavit, syrup and lemon juice to an ice filled glass, and top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cocktail cherry.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Aquavit, Aquavit cocktails
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:
- Aperol Guide and Campari Guide All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Baileys Guide All the ins and outs of Irish Cream.
- Chartreuse Guide This pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Cointreau Guide, Blue Curacao Guide, or Orange Liqueur Guide Citrus liqueurs…broken down.
- Galliano Guide Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Grenadine Guide It’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Fernet Branca Guide Here’s why people love this Italian bitter.
- Kahlua Guide Learn about this popular Mexican coffee liqueur
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- Pernod More about this anise-flavored liqueur
Let us know if you have any questions!
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