This citrus-forward Aquavit Cocktail recipe is our favourite drink to make at home inspired by our travels to Scandinavia.
Our quick & easy Aquavit Cocktail is made with a popular Nordic spirit, which is flavoured with local herbs and spices.
The herbaceous and citrusy cocktail features Aquavit, Aperol, fresh lime juice, orange bitters and a splash of sparkling soda water.
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What Is Aquavit?
Aquavit, also known as akvavit, is a distilled spirit that is principally made in Scandinavia. It has been produced since the 15th century in countries like Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. It is also popular in northern Germany.
The word aquavit derives from the Latin aqua vitae, “water of life.” It typically contains 40% alcohol by volume.
Aquavit is distilled from grain or potatoes, and is flavoured with a variety of herbs. The dominant flavour must come from a distillate of caraway and/or dill seed according to the European Union.
Aquavit is an important part of Nordic drinking culture, where it is often drunk during festive gatherings, such as Christmas dinners and the Midsummer celebration, and as an aperitif.
The world’s best Aquavit is produced in Scandinavia and includes brands like Danish Aalborg, Swedish O.P. Anderson and Norwegian Lysholm Linie.
After enjoying a Circumnavigation Cruise of Newfoundland I was introduced to The Newfoundland Distillery Co, which produces an award winning Canadian Aquavit.
Newfoundland has its own ancient Nordic history. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only authenticated Norse site in North America. It is located on the northern tip of Newfoundland a short drive from St. Anthony.
Our recipe features a premium bottle of Aquavit produced by The Newfoundland Distillery. It was the first spirit ever produced in Newfoundland and uses local grain, herbs and spices grown throughout the province.
The ingredients come from coast to coast; Bee Better Honey from Grand Falls – Windsor, peat and juniper from Clarke’s Beach and a dash of savory from Mt. Scio in St John’s.
It won a silver medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirit Awards.
What Is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients. It has a vibrant orange hue. Its name comes from the French slang word for aperitif, which is apero.
Aperol was originally produced by the Barbieri company, based in Padua, but is now produced by the Campari Group. While Aperol was originally created in 1919, by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, it did not become successful until after World War II. Although it tastes and smells much like Campari, Aperol has an alcohol content of 11%, less than half that of Campari. Aperol and Campari have the same sugar content, and Aperol is less bitter in taste. Campari is also much darker in color.
The Spritz, also known as Aperol Spritz, is the most famous Aperol-based cocktail. Other popular variants are the Aperol Gin Cocktail and this Aquavit Cocktail.
Join Dobbernationloves founder Andrew Dobson in the kitchen by signing up for a fun virtual cooking class! Classes begin with a cocktail that you can sip while preparing 2-3 recipes that are curated around a unique culinary theme. Check out our current Cooking Class Schedule!
Travel To Scandinavia To Sip An Aquavit Cocktail
There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with an Aquavit Cocktail recipe then by planning a Scandinavian vacation.
You’ll find trendy nordic cocktail recipes served at local watering holes in Reykjavik, Westfjords, Oslo, Bergen, Stockholm, Goteborg, Helsinki and Copenhagen.
In Scandinavian countries Aquavit is typically served as a celebratory shot, consumed quickly out of a wee glass. We found innovative bartenders and mixologists serving creative Aquavit Cocktails in Michelin Star restaurants and luxury hotel bars.
Aquavit can express itself as a herbaceous whiskey, sometimes featuring a lingering smokiness depending on the brand.
Local bartenders celebrate the spirits unique flavour profile, mixing and muddling drinks that are perfectly balanced.
Our easy Aquavit Cocktail recipe is shaken with Aperol, fresh lime juice, orange bitters and a splash of soda. The perfect citrus-lovers sip to enjoy at aperitivo hour.
If you’re looking to taste popular Scandinavian recipes you may also enjoy:
- Köttbullar med Gräddsås Swedish Meatballs
- Swedish Pickled Rhubarb
- Flaky Swedish Rhubarb Cherry Pie
- Swedish Sandwich Cake Homemade Smorgastarta
- Kardemummabullar Swedish Cardamom Buns
- Jordgubbstårta Gluten Free Swedish Strawberry Meringue Cake
Aquavit Cocktail Ingredients
Our refreshing Aquavit mixed drink recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
- Aquavit: A Scandinavian spirit similar to whiskey that is flavoured with local herbs and spices.
- Aperol: Italy’s favourite bitter orange and rhubarb flavoured aperitif.
- Lime Juice: We like to use a freshly squeezed lime but you can substitue for lemon if you prefer.
- Soda Water: Add a splash of sparkling water to ensure the drink is refreshing and not too strong.
- Garnish: Adorn the coupe glass with a dehydrated lime or lemon wheel.
Aquavit Cocktail Recipe Tips
This Aquavit drink recipe is easy to make at home, ready to serve in under 5 minutes!
We love serving Aquavit Cocktails in the summer as they are a refreshing citrus drink to sip on a hot day. They’re also popular at festive occasions like Christmas dinner and New Years Eve cocktail parties.
Our Aquavit Cocktail recipe serves one person. If you’re hosting a large gathering feel free to multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and muddle the drink in a punch bowl or jug.
We’ve garnished the glass with a dehydrated citrus wheel but you can substitute for a fresh slice of orange, lime or lemon if you prefer.
Best Bartender Tools & Cocktail Equipment
Before hosting a swanky Aquavit Cocktail party you’ll need to ensure you have the best bartender tools and cocktail equipment.
- Cocktail Kit: cocktail kits are the perfect gift for newbie mixology fans as they include basic bartender tools like a jigger, shaker and spoon.
- Cocktail Shaker: a bartender’s best friend. Purchase a premium cocktail shaker to muddle or shake up your favourite pink gin cocktails.
- Cocktail Glassware: make sure your bar is stocked with a selection of unique glassware to show off your favourite cocktail creations.
- Hawthorne Strainer: this unique strainer features tightly wound coils and perforated holes. It keeps ice and other large ingredients like lime wedges in your cocktail shaker rather than in the glass.
- Bar Spoons: slender and long bar spoons are a must-have when stirring drinks.
- Bottle Opener: easily open bottles of beer or cider with the flick of your wrist or purchase a corkscrew for fine wine.
- Pouring Spout: once you’ve opened a new bottle of gin insert these affordable pourers to make cocktail assembly a breeze.
- Cutting Board: purchase a petite cutting board for your bar to slice garnishes or citrus wedges like lime, orange, lemon or grapefruit.
- Ice Bucket: chill bottles of gin quickly in an ice bucket or keep by the bar when muddling gin mixers into cool creations.
- Ice Crusher: fans of the Mint Julep love an ice crusher.
- Ice Cube Kit: we suggest purchasing a selection of ice cube trays. Silicone styles are our favourite as they’re easy to clean and are available in various shapes and sizes.
- Jigger: use a jigger to accurately measure spirits, juices, syrups and shrubs.
- Juicer: invest in an electronic juicer or buy an affordable hand-held to easily juice fresh citrus like lemons and limes.
- Muddler: fans of the Mojito love a sturdy muddler to mix mint and lime. Muddler’s are handy for any cocktail featuring ingredients that need a pounding like fresh herbs or citrus wedges.
- Citrus Peeler & Zester: adorn your craft cocktails with a thick citrus peel or finer ribbons of lime or lemon zest.
- Rimmer: Bloody Mary and Caesar lovers should outfit their bar with a handy rimmer for salting and sugaring glassware.
You May Also Enjoy These Cocktail Recipes…
- Vegan Eggnog Aquafaba Cocktail
- Christmas Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Vodka Blood Orange Cocktail
- Clarified Gin and Milk Punch Cocktail
- Batida de Coco Brazilian Coconut Cachaça Cocktail
- Tommy’s Margarita Cocktail
- Raspberry Gin Fizz Chambord Cocktail
- Iced Irish Coffee Cocktail
- Vodka Mojito Cocktail Recipe
- Lavender Gin Cocktail Lemonade Fizz
- Malfy Grapefruit Gin & Rosemary Cocktail
- Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Cocktail
- Mint Chocolate After Eight Cocktail
- Brandy Manhattan Cognac Cocktail
- Baileys Apple Pie Cocktail Recipe
- Baileys Iced Coffee Cocktail
- Aperol Gin Cocktail
- Irish Whiskey and Apple Juice
How To Make An Easy Aquavit Cocktail Recipe
Aperol Aquavit Cocktail
Equipment
- Shot Glass
- Cocktail Glass
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aquavit
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- 1 oz Soda Water
- Dehydrated Lime Wheel
Instructions
- Add aquavit, aperol, lime juice and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker and fill 3/4 with ice.
- Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe glass. Top with sparkling soda water.
- Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel.
Nutrition
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