She Strengthens

Unlock the Secrets of Aquavit: A Scandinavian Spirit

Infused with Flavor

When it comes to aquavit, the possibilities are endless. This Scandinavian spirit is known for its unique flavor profiles, which are achieved through the combination of various spices and herbs. Some of the most recognized flavors include caraway, anise, fennel, and cardamom. But what makes aquavit truly special is its ability to be enjoyed straight from the freezer as a shot, accompanied by a toast.

A Refreshing Twist on Tradition

To create your own aquavit, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Start with 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds, 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds, 2 crushed cardamom pods, and 2 whole cloves. Add a medium lemon and orange, rinsed and dried, as well as a 750-milliliter bottle of vodka (such as Absolut or Svedka) and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.

The Infusion Process

To begin, toast the caraway, fennel, cardamom, and cloves in a small frying pan over medium heat, shaking occasionally until fragrant. This should take about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Next, use a vegetable peeler to remove a quarter of the peel from both the lemon and orange, avoiding the white pith. Set the peels aside.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Remove about 2 tablespoons of vodka from the bottle (you can either drink it or discard it) and add the toasted spices, lemon and orange peels, and sugar to the bottle. Cover tightly and let the mixture infuse at room temperature for 2 weeks, turning and gently shaking the bottle once a day.

The Final Step

After 2 weeks, taste the aquavit and let it stand longer if needed. Strain the aquavit through a fine-mesh strainer into a large liquid measuring cup, discarding the solids. Transfer the strained aquavit to a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the freezer.

Enjoy Your Handcrafted Aquavit

With your homemade aquavit ready to go, you can enjoy it straight from the freezer as a shot, accompanied by a toast. Savor the unique flavors and aromas of this Scandinavian spirit, and experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.