Taste

Aquavit is a strong alcoholic beverage flavoured using caraway, dill seeds and possibly other flavour distillates.

Typical spices include caraway, cumin, coriander, citrus peels, aniseed, dill, fennel and cardamom. Some aquavits are aged in old Cognac or sherry casks, which add spicy flavours and aromas to the beverage.

Usage

In Scandinavia, aquavit is used as a shot.

Aquavit is often served at traditional crayfish parties. Its dill and caraway flavours are indeed a good match for cooked crayfish seasoned with dill, but you can also try aquavit with herring and Baltic herring treats. You can also use aquavit for seasoning. Use it to cure salmon, or pour a drop to a sauce you are making for fish.

How to serve

As a shot, aquavit is served well-chilled, at 4–6°C.