Aquavit
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Homemade aquavit is a classic Scandinavian spirit for the holidays.
I’m excited to share today’s post with you, not only because it’s infused alcohol (hello!) but because this aquavit kicks off a special series I’m doing leading up to Christmas — dishes fit for the Swedish julbord!
The julbord is the special smorgasbord enjoyed at Christmastime.
While my julbord can’t compare in scale with the traditional feasts the name is known for, I’m sharing a few dishes each week that can help you create your very own holiday spread.
I chose aquavit as the first recipe because it plays an important part in Scandinavian culture, having been in production since at least the 1500s.
For those who choose to home-infuse their aquavit, December 1 is the traditional starting point, ensuring that the flavors have reached their peak by the time the julbord is hosted.
Aquavit is created by infusing vodka with herbs and other flavors.
Each recipe is a little bit different to reflect the tastes of the family, but because dill and caraway are important ingredients in all of Swedish cuisine, they are the main components in most aquavit recipes.
how to make aquavit at home
Making aquavit is quite easy.
Simply measure your infusing ingredients into bottles, then pour in vodka and seal the bottles. Let them steep away from light for at least 3 days, or as many as three weeks, tasting along the way to check on strength.
When it’s ready, simply strain the liquid into another bottle (or smaller bottles for gift-giving). The color will be pale yellow to light brown, depending on the ingredients you choose and the length of your steep.
While a completely authentic aquavit would require a distilling setup, this home-infused version is a wonderful alternative. For those of us who can’t find aquavit in stores, it’s a fun way to enjoy the traditional drink.
Serve aquavit ice-cold in small shots, or use it in place of vodka for a distinctly herbal cocktail. You can also use it in recipes for mustard, cured salmon, or even jams to create a boozy, savory fruit jam.
Add it to your table along with gravlax and Swedish meatballs for a festive holiday!
Skål!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- 1 sprig fresh dill
- 3 inches lemon peel, with as much white pith removed as possible
- 3 inches orange or clementine peel, with as much white pith removed as possible
- 1 liter vodka
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large jug or divide among smaller containers. Seal jug.
- Place in a cool, dark place for at least three days, then strain into a clean container. (You can use the original vodka bottle if you like.)
I am so looking forward to your series! My husband is Swedish so hopefully I can get some ideas for things to make for him! Thanks 🙂
@Melody I hope you enjoy! My grandfather is Swedish so I decided to do this to honor him.
I know Swedish & Norwegian aren’t the same, but my husband’s about 3/4 Norwegian, and we’ve started doing a winter solstice/Yule-type celebration (in addition to Christmas). This year, I want to incorporate more Scandinavian dishes–I’m looking forward to seeing what else you have in store!
I’m not Swedish at all but I want to come to your Julbord! It sounds delicious.
This is so fun and unique! I love it!
This is so fun and unique! I love it!
@Christina Thank you! It was fun to add something special to the table this year 🙂
Wow! At last I got a webpage from where I be able to truly obtain useful data regarding my study and knowledge.
So I decided on this recipe to infuse the vodka that I will use for my gravlax made from the salmon I caught with my father. I am looking forward to the caraway and licorice note infusions into the dill added, I’m already grazing the gravlax and can’t imagine how much tastier it will be once I add the aquavit. Cheers ?