Spicy vodka Akvavit from Scandinavia – how to cook and drink

If you write the word Aquavit in a search engine, then most likely you will see a link to a site with a drug. Indeed, the name of this alcohol is wildly strange, but there are definitely some healing properties. It is possible that Akvavit cannot heal mortal flesh, but it is quite possible to tighten spiritual wounds.

Drawing analogies, Akvavit is a tincture produced in Scandinavia on moonshine with additives. For her, they use alcohol from potatoes, which insist on the collection of herbs and spices. Name the exact ingredients is quite difficult, they vary greatly depending on the country and recipe. From the main ones:

• caraway;
• fennel;
• coriander;
• anise;
• cinnamon;
• dill;
• cloves;
• cardamom.

Historical background

The first mention of the drink dates back to the 300th century, but the general fame lingered for almost XNUMX years. Aquavit owes its popularity to three iconic people: Isidor Henius, Anton Brandum and Harald Jensen.

In short, they were all engaged in the production of alcohol, and Harald was even able to modernize the recipe by adding anise, ginger, cloves and orange to the usual set of spices.

Subsequently, through the efforts of the resourceful native of Poland, Henius, the businesses of Brandum and Jensen were absorbed, and a little later Danish Distillers was created. The company united the largest distilleries in Denmark, becoming for a while a complete monopoly.

Production features

If you are familiar with the production of alcohol or the principles of distillation in general, then the methods for making Akvavit will not be a discovery for you. The process is divided into four main steps. I will say right away, I will omit the details of the production of the wort, distillation, set of spices and aging periods. Understanding these processes needs to be learned, and more than one year.

Partially, I will give information on the preparation of Aquavit in the recipe towards the end of the article.

1. At the first stage, mash is made from potato raw materials.
2. The second stage is a double distillation with cutting off heads and tails. The output is alcohol, a strength of 60-80%.
3. The third stage is the dilution of alcohol to 45%, followed by infusion on spices and herbs.
4. At the last stage, Aquavit is aged in oak or cherry barrels.

Types of Akvavit

Despite its roots, Akvavit’s geography extends far beyond the Scandinavian region. Quite large producers of this drink are Italy and Scotland. From classical countries:

• Norway – an amber-colored drink with a slight cumin aroma;
• Sweden – transparent with bright notes of cumin seeds;
• Denmark is also a transparent color and caraway aroma.

Useful Properties

I completely forgot to mention that initially Aquavit was positioned as a means of combating alcoholism. No matter how crazy it may sound, but the legend about the appearance of the drink says exactly that.

The medicinal properties of alcohol do not end there. Aquavit has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart, improves digestion and improves immunity. Believe it or not – decide for yourself. But one thing I can say for sure, Aquavit is an excellent warming agent and it is impossible to argue with that.

There are cases of using alcohol for inhalation purposes (do not try to repeat it!). It reminded me of the times when antibiotics were considered a panacea for all diseases.

Tasting characteristics of Aquavit

The taste of the drink is very dependent on the region of production and the recipe used. For example, in Norway and Denmark, under identical names, you can be served completely different alcohol.

Only the aroma of cumin remains unchanged, although its intensity also differs.

Color

fragrance

Akvavit always smells like cumin, this is, in fact, his calling card. If this smell is not there, then you have something similar to the original product, but not it. The intensity of this aroma is different: in alcohol, for example, from Norway, cumin is felt weakly, giving way to other components.

The rest depends on the specific set of herbs and spices used in the recipe. It is difficult to say more precisely, so I advise you to familiarize yourself with the composition before buying. Suddenly you have an intolerance to certain ingredients.

Taste

Criteria for choosing high-quality alcohol

My selection criteria are most easily expressed in points. I note that I write not in importance:

1. The first rule – do not buy a counterfeit product. Alcohol poisoning is a very scary thing, and the consequences can haunt you for years. Always check the label, fonts and graphics. Everything must be done with high quality, without blurry letters and images.
2. Choose reliable sellers and the right place to buy. If you think that finding a bottle of elite alcohol at a low price in a spontaneous market is luck, you are very much mistaken. This phenomenon has another name – handicraft production. Why is it dangerous? Read the first paragraph.
3. This remark does not apply to the quality of alcohol, but it cannot be ignored. Choose an alcoholic drink according to the event. Vodka for a romantic dinner is a bad idea, as is dry champagne for a bachelor party. Here I will also include age and gender characteristics. I hope you don’t have the thought of giving a girl a bottle of moonshine. Although, a lot depends on the lady herself. Akvavit, for example, is quite suitable for a lover of experiments and “her boyfriend” in the company.

How to serve

Aquavit is usually served chilled on crushed Norwegian ice. In the absence of the latter, ours, ordinary, can also be suitable, not even chopped, but in cubes. The main thing is that the drink itself is very cold. The reference temperature is -15-18 °C. I note that Aquavit begins to freeze only at -25-30 ° C.

Note: use the music of Scandinavian bands to create an atmosphere. The closest styles will do, it is not necessary to torture yourself with folklore.

What do they drink Aquavit with?

Real tough men drink Akvavit like vodka – without snacking. For those few who want to maintain their health, advice – take a closer look at meat dishes. In addition to them, cheese and fish are suitable (especially for herring). In fact, choose a snack like for vodka.

Other uses

Here I will list those options that I dismissed, but they also need to be told for the sake of completeness.

1. Some prefer to drink Aquavit warm or slightly chilled. I may not really like spices, but at temperatures above 0, this drink turns into a pharmacy tincture. As a result, for spices you feel absolutely nothing. I don’t recommend doing that.
2. The second thing to do is clearly not worth it – drink in small sips. It is better to take a small glass of vodka and drink in one gulp than to sip Aquavit from a mug.

Aquavit Recipe

If Norway, Denmark and Sweden are far away from you, and in the nearest store, when asked about the availability of Akvavit, they answer that they do not sell filters for water purification, then we cook ourselves. Fortunately, the ingredients for this alcohol are quite easy to find.

We need:

• double-cleaned vodka or moonshine (40% alcohol);
• dried orange peel;
• a set of spices – 40-60 grams per 1 liter of alcohol (you can be guided by the list at the beginning of the article);
• сахар – 1 полная ст. ложка с горкой на 1 литр алкоголя.

Preparation:

1. We knead the spices in a mortar (you can knead without it) and pour it into a preheated pan.
2. As soon as the smell of spices filled the kitchen, remove them from the fire and pour them into a container for aging.
3. Pour spices with vodka or moonshine, add a spoonful of sugar and mix well.
4. We insist about 2 weeks at room temperature in a dark place. Shake contents 1-2 times a day.
5. Pour the finished Aquavit through cheesecloth into bottles.

Secrets of cooking at home

If you are already familiar with tinctures on herbs and spices, then you are quite capable of making high-quality Akvavit. Just in case, here are some helpful tips:

1. Experiment with grams, perhaps you will like the richer taste of the drink more. The maximum allowable step is 10 g.
2. Do not leave the tincture in direct sunlight, or rather, do not leave it under any sunlight.
3. Use only high-quality vodka or moonshine.
4. Do not burn spices as soon as you smell a rich smell – remove them from the fire.
5. Sterilize containers before adding ingredients.

Conclusion

Vodka Akvavit is a way to open a “book” called “Journey to Scandinavia”. Among our classic alcohol, I have not seen anything like it. Yes, you can reproach me by reminding me of spiced vodka. But admit, when you try such a drink, there is no feeling in your soul that it was invented by us. There is always a sense of secondary.

With Aquavit everything is different, from the first sip in the mind there is a clear understanding that this is alcohol with a great history. In our time, this is no longer invented. I, perhaps, will advise to buy Aquivit, those who love strong strong drinks and love to discover new tastes.

In our stores you can often find Aquavit Line and Aalborg Akvavit. Both drinks are, in fact, classic. The first is produced in Norway, and the second in Denmark. Personally, I liked the Norwegian version more, it is less strong, has a balanced taste and a pleasant straw color. Therefore, I would recommend him.

How do you feel about cumin?