Check out our guide to aquavit, including where to buy it and lots of recipe inspiration, then learn more about calvados, armagnac and madeira.
What is aquavit?
This clear neutral spirit, usually made from grain or potatoes, can be found across Scandinavia. Similar to gin, its flavour comes from an array of herbs and other botanicals, with the main flavour being caraway, and sometimes dill. Other ingredients you may find in aquavit include anise, citrus, fennel and coriander. It has a fresh, herbaceous, savoury profile that pairs well with traditional Nordic foods like pickled and smoked fish.
Where to buy aquavit
Nuet dry aquavit, £41.24/70cl, Master of Malt
This modern aquavit from Norway retains the traditional caraway flavour, but adds more contemporary ingredients, like grapefruit peel and blackcurrant leaf. The end result is herbal and citrussy, with earthy caraway notes. It's delicious in a martini or mixed with tonic water.
Linie double cask aquavit port finish, £41.50/70cl, The Whisky Exchange
Six months of finishing in port casks gives this aquavit red fruit notes and sweetness.
Aquavit recipes
50:50 martini
Aquavit works well in place of other herbaceous spirits like gin, which makes it the perfect choice for a martini.
Gin and tonic
Use aquavit in place of gin for a long, refreshing drink. Using soda rather than tonic water would also work well.
