Aquavit or Akvavit and Ten Ways to Enjoy This Scandinavian Spirit

If you enjoy sipping and savoring alcoholic beverages and have never tried Aquavit (also spelled Akvavit and akevit) then a treat awaits you.

Aquavit is a Scandinavian grain liquor which has a unique taste and a remarkably refined texture. It is not at all sweet and, although there are many types of aquavit which are flavored with various herbs and such, it is most commonly tinted with caraway on top of other subtle flavors-- notably a hint of orange. Sound strange? Though it is often compared with vodka, it is actually nothing like it. What is new and wonderful to palates that have never experienced Aquavit is its unbelievable smoothness and its ability to move into a perfect blend, or wrap around the most diverse range of other flavors. It may seem odd that a liquor flavored with caraway, which we most often associate with rye bread, would move, or almost slide, like a hand into a glove with the likes of such varied flavors as chocolate, tomato juice, lime juice, orange juice, and cream and could accompany such foods as meats, fish and numerous cheeses. If this phenomenon of smooth blending sounds intriguing: in fact, it is.

Aquavit is most well known as a product of Denmark, though it is also made and enjoyed in other Scandinavian countries. Norwegian Aquavit has a quality attributed to its traveling in casks twice across the equator during the aging process. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akvavit): Particular to the Norwegian tradition is the occurrence of Linje akvavits (such as "Løiten Linje" and "Lysholm Linje"). These have been carried in oak casks onboard ships crossing the equator ("Linje") twice before it is sold.

The Aquavit that we have been able most easily to locate is Taffel Aquavit, made by the Aalborg Company in Denmark, and considered their classic version of this drink. From the Aalborg website (http://www.aalborgsnaps.dk/composite-282.htm) Aalborg Taffel Akvavit has a very pure caraway bouquet which is only supported by a slight hint of orange. Its full body and aromas make it all the way around your mouth.

Aquavit should be served very cold and is generally kept in the freezer (it has 45 percent alcohol content and thus it does not freeze).

Here are ten ways to enjoy this special liquor.

1) By itself, (chilled as usual) sipping very slowly and savoring the hint of caraway and orange in your mouth

2) With tomato juice and lime (with or without tabasco and a celery stalk, as in a Bloody Mary)

3) With orange juice, as in a Screwdriver

4) With a squeeze of pure lime juice and a side of salted peanuts

4) In hot coffee with cream or half and half

5) Poured over a small scoop of good pure vanilla ice cream

6) Sipped while eating a piece of good dark chocolate

7) With a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich

8) With a liverwurst, or other pates

9) With almost any cheese

10) With lox or any other fish

While Aquavit is apparently standard Christmas dinner fare in Denmark, it would be a lovely surprise for any holiday or gathering of friends.