Aquavit? What the heck is it? Aquavit is a Nordic gin that is distilled from grain or potatoes. In gin, juniper is the signature botanical and in Aquavit, it must be either caraway or dill seed. The list of additional botanicals used in Aquavit include- fennel, coriander, star anise, and citrus peel. ‘Akvivit’ is the national drink of Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Traditionally, a bottle is kept in the freezer so that it is well chilled when the shot glasses appear on the table!
The name Aquavit comes from the latin, Aqua Vite, meaning water of life. It shares this moniker with Whisky (Gaelic) and Eau de Vie (French). It has become very popular with the current cocktail scene. Ross Alger, founder of Confluence Distilling, recommends using it in Caesar’s, spiked lemonades or in a Aquavit Spritz cocktail, a twist on the ever so popular Aperol Spritz.
1.5 oz Confluence Vinland Aquavit
2 oz Aperol
0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2 oz Soda
Mint Sprig Garnish (optional)
Combine Aperol, aquavit and lemon juice into a tall glass with ice and stir. Top with soda. Garnish with mint and enjoy.