do you know the Aquavit? When it comes to alcoholic beverages, it is always common to look for the best known, however, there are liqueurs that are part of the culture of other countries that we are often unaware of and that are undoubtedly a delight. Aquavit is part of the Scandinavian culture, its peculiar flavor and its quality make it the perfect companion to accompany a good Christmas dish or simply a good bread.
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what is Aquavit?
Aquavit is a distillate based on potato alcohol, to which some aromatic herbs are added, with an alcoholic content of 40%. Its straw color, its spicy flavor with an aniseed aroma make it a delicious drink, typical of Norway but not only found there, as Denmark and Sweden also produce it.
Origin of Aquavit
Everything seems to indicate that aquavit has existed since 1531, a letter dated that year from the Danish lord of Bergenshus castle seems to be the first historical reference to this popular drink in Scandinavian countries. 
Eske Bille was writing to Olav Engelbretsson, the last archbishop of Norway, and accompanied his letter with a package, in which he offered the ecclesiastic a drink called Aqua Vitae, which is capable of helping to cure all kinds of diseases that a man may have internally and externally.
The aquavit was invented in 1805 when a ship sailed from Norway to Southwest Asia and returned, on board carrying barrels full of brandy with which it sought to break into new markets. Two years later the ship returned to Norway with the barrels that were not sold, but they discovered that the brandy improved its flavor while at sea.
Aquavit derives its name from aqua vitae, a Latin word meaning water of life, this term was originally applied to wine distilled beverages, as it was made from imported wine. In the 18th century, the potato became an important raw material, and soon certain alcoholic beverages began to be made from potatoes.
what is Aquavit made from?
Also known as Akvavit, it is made from potato or grain alcohol, which is accompanied by some seeds and herbs to flavor it. These are usually caraway seeds, dill, fennel, anise, coriander, grains of paradise, lemon peel, orange peel, cumin and cardamom. 
The recipe and flavors often differ among the brands that make them in the different countries that make up the Baltic and Scandinavian region, but caraway is typically the predominant flavor in all. We can find some that are aged, in them the color can vary from light brown to dark brown, but most aquavit are generally yellow in color.
The darker the aquavit, the older it tends to be, although sometimes artificial coloring can be added, however, light aquavits are called taffel, and are made by using old barrels for aging so that it does not color the final product.
how is Aquavit made?
Aquavit is usually distilled twice, the first time the neutral grain or potato alcohol is obtained, which is distilled again, at which time the spices and aromatic plants are added. Once the distillations are completed, it is filtered with charcoal and finally bottled without prior aging, although in some cases it is aged in oak barrels to improve the taste.
The Norwegian aquavit called Linie, takes its name from the equatorial line, and it is curious that this distillate travels around the world to Australia and returns again to Norway, shipped in the cellars of ships in oak casks in which sherry wines have been aged.
During the voyage it passes twice through the equator, an action that manages to give a product with a special and better taste. The trick seems to be that with this great journey, having been several weeks at sea, with the movement that this entails, the different temperature changes during the transoceanic voyage, the liqueur obtains a very special aging.
How to drink Aquavit correctly
Generally in Scandinavian countries such as in northern Germany, aquavit is usually served chilled and unmixed, in small tulip glasses, and is usually accompanied by appetizers or snacks. 
The lovers of aquavit prefer to drink it slowly to enjoy the maximum benefits of its flavor and aroma, some even drink it with beer, while others do not even dare to mix it because they feel that they damage its flavor. Other consumers prefer to take it in shots as they find its taste a bit difficult to digest.
Norwegians generally prefer aquavit at room temperature. While in other countries it is drunk cold, in stemmed glass glasses so that the drinker’s hand cannot heat the beverage.
In Norway it is very common to accompany Christmas meals that include roast pork ribs and pinnekjøtt with aquavit, some say that the spices and alcohol help the stomach deal with all the fat from those meals. While in Sweden it is essential at traditional Christmas dinners and especially in celebration of Midsommar, drunk while singing so-called drinking songs or snapsvisa.
+3 Drinks with Aquavit that you should know about
Aquavit is a perfect base when it comes to making drinks, so we can find it in some recipes that will undoubtedly leave you breathless. 
Special Meridien
A drink full of flavor that will refresh your palate, its ingredients get the perfect fusion to wrap you and catch all your attention. Ingredients what ingredients are needed to prepare this drink?
- 1/3 ounce aquavit
- 2/3 ounce of cherry liqueur
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 2/3 ounce pineapple juice
- 2/3 ounce gin
- 1 lemon twist
- 1 orange twist
- 1 maraschino cherry
- 1 sprig mint leaf
- Ice
How to prepare it is a very easy drink to prepare! Dare
- Place the ice together with the liqueurs and juices in a cocktail shaker
- Shake well for a few seconds to integrate all the liquids
- Serve in a tall glass
- Garnish with lemon twist, orange twist, cherry and mint leaf
Frozen Aquavit
Delicious combination of ingredients that will leave any palate sighing, its flavor will allow you to enjoy the moment much more. Ingredients what are the ingredients of a frozen Aquavit?
- 1 1/2 ounces aquavit
- 1/3 ounce cherry brandy
- 1/3 ounce egg white
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/3 ounce syrup
- Ice
How to prepare follow each of the steps and enjoy!
- Place in a blender the ice together with the liqueurs, the egg white, the lime juice and the syrup
- Blend for a few seconds to obtain a homogeneous mixture
- Serve in a champagne glass
Gruszka Royale
A delicate drink that will surprise more than one thanks to its elegant and sophisticated flavor, its ingredients achieve a perfect combination. Ingredients what ingredients are used to prepare this drink with aquavit?
- 1/2 ounce of aquavit
- 1/2 ounce of pear concentrate
- 1/2 ounce of pear liqueur
- Ice
- Iced champagne
How to prepare it delicious recipe that will fill your palate with flavor!
- Place the ice together with the aquavit, the pear liqueur and the concentrate in a shaker
- Shake well for a few seconds
- Strain and serve in a champagne glass
- Top up to fill with the chilled champagne
