2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Aquavit is a high-alcohol Scandinavian drink that contains about 40% alcohol. Its name comes from the Latin aqua vitae - water of life.
If you have to determine the taste of this drink, many will say that it is something between gin and flavored vodka. Aquavit is not a very popular drink worldwide, but it still has a rich history and tradition in production.
The homeland of aquavita is Denmark, where the possibility of distillation has been known since the 15th century. Despite its Danish origin, however, aquavit has become something of a regional drink in Scandinavia and today most of the most popular brands are produced in Norway. However, most registered brands are in Finland - about 20 in number.
Characteristics of aquavit
Both vodka and aquavit is made from rectified alcohol (mainly from potatoes), and for certain brands it can also be produced from cereals. Cumin is mainly used to flavor aquavita, but some brands add fennel, dill, cumin and even bitter orange peel. Aquavit, produced in Finland, is flavored with cinnamon - a specific feature only for this country.
The difference between aquavit and all vodkas with aroma, is that while in the latter the aromas of the plant components are extracted by soaking, in aquavit they are added and redistilled (just as in gin).
More observant people will notice that aquavit comes with a different spelling of the name - Akvavit or Aquavit. Interestingly, both names are for the same drink. The taste is the same, but it is more about regional differences.
For example, the name Aquavit refers to the drink in Norway, while in Denmark it is called Akvavit. In both cases, however, the name means the same thing - the water of life.
Aquavit brands
The most popular brand aquavit in the world is Aalborg Akvavit, invented by Isidore Henius. It is characterized by 45% alcohol content and cumin aroma. The brand is perceived as an absolute standard of quality. In Norway, the leading brands are Loiten Export and Lysholm - both made from potatoes, cumin and some other flavors. What distinguishes these two brands of aquavit from all the others is their very interesting way of aging. Both are aged barrels that have necessarily traveled the world by ship.
Serving aquavit
Regardless of what is written on the label, the locals perceive this drink simply as schnapps - a word that comes from Old Norse and literally means to swallow. This should also tell you how to drink the drink - very cold and in a small shot. Aquavit has the best taste, which is cooled to -18 degrees.
Scandinavians always consume aquavit with food. Traditionally, everyone present at the table should stand up and raise a toast, after which everyone drinks ex. It is recommended to eat aquavit clean with some food. In some cases it is used as an ingredient in cocktails. It goes best with seafood and sauces that are seasoned with dill. Many Norwegians consider aquavita a Christmas drink, after which they drink beer.
In traditional Norwegian cuisine, aquavit is used in the preparation of confectionery. It is added as a flavoring for cakes and various pastries. It is used to flavor chocolates and candies. In some recipes, the trout is cooked with aquavitIt is believed that this way the fish gets a unique taste and aroma of alcohol.
A very interesting aspect in the consumption of aquavita is that it is drunk with the very fragrant fish rakfisk - trout or salmon trout, which is sprinkled with salt and then fermented in brine for a period of several weeks to a whole year. Every November, Norwegians organize a raffsack festival in Fagernes. There, people eat the fragrant fish, then water it with huge amounts of aquavit. Locals explain that it kills the otherwise very specific smell.
Although aquavit is an integral part of Scandinavian culture, it is good for the inexperienced foreigner to know that the drink is very strong and excessive use can lead to a very severe hangover.
Aquavit production
We will offer you a relatively easy recipe to produce aquavit.
Necessary products: 1 stalk of dill, 3 pods of cardamom, 250 ml of vodka, the peel of half a lemon, 1 star anise, ½ tsp. kim, ¼ tsp fennel seeds.
Method of preparation: Pour the vodka into a suitable jar together with the slices of lemon peel and dill. Leave to stand for one day at room temperature. Then remove the dill and lemon zest. Add cumin, fennel seeds, anise to the vodka and let it stand again for 24 hours at room temperature. Finally strain the drink, close it in a suitable glass container and you can store it for up to half a year.
Benefits of aquavit
A very interesting fact is that the high-alcohol beverage aquavit in the past it was considered a cure and prevention of alcoholism. In the 60s of last century it was popular as a means to improve heart function, dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Because the people of the Scandinavian countries use aquavit as a means of improving digestion and even believe that it helps absorb fat from food, it is an integral part of heavy holiday meals when traditionally overeating.
Aquavit is also used to warm the body during hypothermia. It can be added to hot tea.
