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Aquavit & Tonic for Winter #WarmUpDrinks


Happy New Year and welcome to the fifth installment of the Winter Warm-Up Drink Series hosted by Ellen of Family Around the Table! I missed last week due to a crazy schedule, but there's one more that I have planned. Can't wait to share. Cheers.

Sips to Warm You Up

About Aquavit

I am sharing an Aquavit & Tonic because, while I love a good Gin & Tonic, aquavit has become my new favorite spirit. And since I just posted a recipe for Gløgg (Danish Mulled Wine), pictured above, I knew I needed a new recipe to share.

But I wanted to start with a quick primer on aquavit. Despite how long Scandinavians have been making and drinking aquavit, it's largely unknown outside of those countries. It's such a shame because, as a spirit, it's completely beguiling.


The name 'aquavit' derives from two Latin words: aqua vitae and translates to "water of life." The French have a clear brandy eau de vie which means the same thing, but has a very different flavor. I've had more fruit based eau de vie while aquavit is decidedly more spicy. Aquavit has many different recipes and flavor profiles between brands, but the dominant flavor is caraway seeds. This one, from Krogstad, has a strong star anise flavor that I love! It is brilliantly clear with spicy notes and aromas that are smooth and seductive which makes it a fabulous match for bitter tonic.

Aquavit & Tonic makes one cocktail

  • 1.5 ounces aquavit
  • 4.5 ounces tonic (I used an elderflower tonic from Fever Tree)
  • ice

Place ice in a glass. Pour in tonic. Pour in aquavit. Swirl before sipping. 

Comments

  1. I have always loved aquavit but it's been so long since I've had it. Need to make a stop by the liquor store!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely do! Thanks for hosting this series, Ellen. It's been fun. Sad that it's only one more week though. Cheers.

      Delete
  2. I'm not an anise fan so I will stick with gin to toast with you.

    ReplyDelete

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