In a world of herbaceous liquors, give chartreuse, fernet, and Bénédictine the time off. Although you don't yet realize it, there's a good chance you're already quite familiar with the flavors and aromas aquavit. An herbaceous Scandinavian liquor, notes of caraway float straight to the top for a gentle savory approach. Think of this as a way to enjoy liquid rye bread, only not at all. Really, the only way to find out is with one of these cocktails.
Aquavit Negroni
You don't want to go too bold on these flavors, and while the recipe does call for equal parts, just like you'll find in a classic Negroni, don't be afraid to alter those ratios to make one that's perfect for you.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce aquavit
- 1 ounce Lillet Blanc
- 1 ounce Campari
- Ice
- Orange wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, add ice, aquavit, Lillet Blanc, and Campari.
- Stir rapidly to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange wedge.
Aquavit is a neutral spirit that gets its flavors from botanicals and herbs, giving it that caraway or dill flavor. You can also find aquavit with flavors of fennel, lemon, and cardamom.
Aquavit Northern Sidecar
In the traditional sidecar, you'll find cognac as the base spirit. So it should come as no surprise that this sidecar is caraway forward. Think of an herbaceous, rainy spring day.
Ingredients
- Orange wedge and sugar for rim
- 1½ ounces aquavit
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare the rim, rub the rim of the glass with the orange wedge.
- With the sugar on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the sugar to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, aquavit, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Aquavit Collins
There's no easier way to wade into an aquavit cocktail journey than by using it in place of gin. The notes of carraway, and even sometimes dill, work quite well in place of the traditional juniper notes in a Tom Collins.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces aquavit
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Club soda to top off
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a highball glass, add ice, aquavit, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir to mix.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with two cherries pierced on a single cocktail skewer.
Viking Mule
This swap is quite obvious, but here's the thing. This is the first Moscow Mule riff that really makes a statement. I promise. Idea: make a miniature mule flight with vodka, bourbon, and aquavit. You may also hear this called the Swedish mule.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces aquavit
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Ginger beer to top off
- Mint sprig and cucumber ribbon for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass or cupper mug, add ice, aquavit, and lime juice.
- Top off with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and cucumber ribbon, piercing the cucumber in a wave formation with a cocktail skewer.
Nordic Summer Cocktail
The slightly bitter and orange flavors of Aperol play eyebrow-raisingly well with the bready flavors of the aquavit. This is a drink first ask questions later type of cocktail. If you want it a little sweeter, add a light splash of simple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces aquavit
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce Aperol
- Ice
- Lime ribbon for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a coupe glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, aquavit, lime juice, and Aperol.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
Great Northern Cocktail
Honey and lemon juice soften the flavors of the aquavit in this tasty cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces aquavit
- ¾ ounce Lillet Blanc
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounce honey syrup
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- Ice
- Lemon or orange wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, aquavit, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, honey syrup, and orange liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
A Berry-Aquavit Day
Prosecco? With aquavit? Oh honey, you have no idea.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce aquavit
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- Crushed ice
- Prosecco to top off
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, add aquavit and cranberry juice.
- Fill a glass with crushed ice.
- Top off with prosecco.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Mixing Your Aquavit
This list is by no means complete for all the things you can mix with your aquavit to make a quick cocktail, but it's a great place to get the wheels turning.
- Tonic water
- Tomato juice
- Bloody Mary mix
- Club soda
- Simple syrup
- Lavender
- Red or white wine
- Maraschino liqueur
- Honey
- Ginger beer or ginger ale
- Elderflower
- Sweet vermouth
- Dry vermouth
- Lemon juice
- Prosecco
- Ginger syrup
- Pear
An Aquavit Cocktail Menu
Don your warmest clothing and break out your aquavit. Well, run to the store first - these recipes will wait. But once you're ready, you'll be toasting skål over and over.
