Breathe new life into that dusty bottle of aquavit hiding at the back of your drinks cupboard with these creative, modern and surprisingly versatile cocktail ideas.
Neat aquavit is an acquired taste for many outside Scandinavia, yet the Nordic spirit is evolving from an old-fashioned digestif into a favorite tool of mixologists.
With its aromatic spices, complex character and warming finish, it works far better in cocktails than many people expect.
A Traditional Spirit with a Modern Twist
Aquavit has been part of life in Norway and across the Nordic region since at least the 15th century. Traditionally sipped neat at Christmas dinners, midsummer celebrations or family gatherings, its flavor comes from a blend of spices and herbs.
Although distillers are free to experiment, the dominant note must come from caraway or dill.
Beyond that, the possibilities are surprisingly broad: coriander seed, fennel, citrus peel, star anise, cumin and even barrel aging all contribute to the wide spectrum of aquavit styles you’ll find today.
For older Scandinavians, a small glass of aquavit is woven into ritual and tradition. But the rise of New Nordic cuisine has encouraged younger drinkers to rediscover the spirit.
Craft distilleries in Norway, Sweden and Denmark now produce small-batch, experimental bottlings designed specifically for cocktails. Some spirits are aged in sherry or Madeira casks; others highlight fresh herbs, rye spice or bright citrus.
If you want to dive deeper into the history and production, you’ll find our complete guide to aquavit here. Otherwise, let’s get shaking.
Aquavit Cocktail Ideas To Try at Home
Purists might insist that aquavit should only ever be enjoyed neat, but mixologists across Scandinavia have proven that the rules can be bent, and that the results can be delicious.
Because of aquavit’s bold, savory backbone, it works particularly well in drinks that usually rely on gin or vodka, adding a Nordic edge that’s herbal, warming and full of character.
You can start with these suggestions, then branch out and experiment based on your favorite flavours.
As an Aperitif
Before dinner, most people reach for something bright, bitter and appetite-stimulating. Aquavit fits beautifully into that role, especially if you enjoy Italian aperitivi with a Nordic twist.
Nordic Negroni
The Negroni is already known for its boldness, and aquavit takes it a step further, adding an aromatic, spicy depth that intensifies the drink’s bittersweet profile. The caraway notes mingle surprisingly well with the orange of Aperol and the rich botanicals of vermouth.
Ingredients:
25 ml aged aquavit
25 ml Aperol
25 ml sweet vermouth
Add all three ingredients to a tumbler over a large ice cube and stir gently. Garnish with a slice of orange peel if you want to lean into the citrus.
The Oslo Spritz
For something lighter, a spritz-style cocktail brings out the herbal freshness of dill-based aquavits. This is ideal for summer evenings or as a pre-dinner drink with seafood.
Ingredients:
40 ml dill-forward aquavit
60 ml dry sparkling wine
Soda water to top
Lemon wheel to garnish
Pour the aquavit and sparkling wine over ice in a wine glass, top with a splash of soda and garnish. It’s crisp, aromatic and wonderfully Scandinavian.
Simply add the three ingredients, in equal parts, to a tumbler over a large ice cube and stir gently to mix.
Drinking with Dinner
Choosing a cocktail to complement a meal can be tricky, but aquavit’s savory undertones make it surprisingly food-friendly. It pairs particularly well with fish, game, root vegetables and anything that leans Nordic.
Fernando
Fernando is a bright, balanced cocktail that cuts through rich dishes while still feeling elegant.
Ingredients:
25 ml aquavit
25 ml London dry gin
25 ml lemon juice
Dash of Angostura bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon peel. The combination of caraway, juniper and citrus creates a sharp, clean counterpoint to a hearty dinner.
Arctic Martini
This simple twist on a martini is a favorite in many Scandinavian cocktail bars.
Ingredients:
50 ml barrel-aged aquavit
15 ml dry vermouth
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a sprig of dill or a thin slice of pickle for a Nordic flourish. The wood-aged aquavit brings warmth and vanilla, making the drink more approachable than you might expect.
For dessert
Coffee, vanilla and spice are natural partners for aquavit. Dessert cocktails are where the spirit really shines for anyone who enjoys aromatic flavors without excessive sweetness.
Nordic Espresso Martini
Replacing some (or all) of the vodka with aquavit gives this modern classic a subtle cardamom-like depth, reminiscent of Turkish coffee or Middle Eastern spices.
Ingredients:
30 ml vanilla vodka
30 ml aquavit
15 ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
30 ml freshly brewed espresso
Let the espresso cool slightly, then shake with the remaining ingredients and plenty of ice. Serve in a martini glass, topped with three coffee beans.
Aquavit Affogato
Half dessert, half cocktail, and entirely indulgent.
Ingredients:
A scoop of good vanilla ice cream
A shot of hot espresso
A splash (or two) of aquavit
Scoop ice cream into a small bowl or glass. Pour over the espresso and aquavit and enjoy immediately. It’s sweet, aromatic and almost impossible to resist.
Substituting aquavit for some of the vodka lends the drink a slightly aromatic flavour, similar to a Turkish coffee with cardamom.
Ingredients:
- 30ml vanilla vodka
- 30ml aquavit
- 15ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso coffee
Allow the espresso to cool slightly and then pour into a shaker filled with ice. Add the vodka, aquavit and coffee liqueur and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.
The Morning After
If you’ve overindulged the night before (perhaps after enjoying too many aquavit cocktails!), there’s one drink people swear by: the Bloody Mary. Aquavit’s earthy, herbal notes give this brunch classic a deeper, more complex flavour.
Nordic Bloody Mary
Ingredients:
25 ml aquavit
25 ml of vodka
100 ml tomato juice
Worcestershire sauce
Tabasco
A pinch of celery salt
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Shake with plenty of ice, strain into a tall glass, and garnish with a slice of pickle and a spear of cucumber. It’s savory, spicy and extremely effective.
More aquavit cocktails to explore
If you’re feeling adventurous, aquavit’s versatility opens the door to many possibilities:
Aquavit Mule: Swap vodka for aquavit in a Moscow Mule for a gingery, spicy Nordic kick. Serve in a cold copper mug with plenty of lime.
Caraway Sour: Use aquavit in place of whiskey in a classic sour. The result is bright, aromatic and surprisingly smooth.
Scandi Collins: A tall, refreshing mix of aquavit, lemon and soda water—perfect for summer nights.
Aquavit Hot Toddy: In winter, warm aquavit with honey, lemon and hot water for a comforting Scandinavian take on a classic toddy.
Compose your own aquavit cocktails
Once you understand the spirit’s personality, aquavit becomes a fun ingredient to play with. A few tips make experimentation easier.
Start by reverse-engineering your favorite cocktails and consider where aquavit could fit. Drinks that typically use gin or vodka are the easiest place to start, as the Nordic spirit brings structure and depth without overwhelming the base flavours.
Avoid highly floral drinks, as aquavit’s spice can overpower delicate botanicals like rose, elderflower or violet. But anything involving citrus, berries, stone fruit, vanilla, chocolate, caramel or coffee often becomes even more interesting with a Scandinavian twist.
Most importantly, approach aquavit the way Norwegians do: with curiosity, a touch of tradition, and a willingness to break the rules when it improves the flavour. Grab a bottle, pick up a shaker and get experimenting.
Always remember to drink responsibly. Toast!