• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Display Search Bar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
Follow stetted on Twitter Follow stetted on Facebook Follow stetted on Instagram Follow stetted on Pinterest

stetted

recipes, decor, and more for a better life

  • Recipes
  • House & Home
  • Blogging 101
  • Travel
  • Shop

Aquavit

December 1, 2014 / Drinks

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Homemade aquavit is a classic Scandinavian spirit for the holidays.

Aquavit - 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.

Stetted's Swedish Julbord

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.

Aquavit - Homemade aquavit is simple to make and adds Swedish festivity to your holiday celebrations.

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 to create a boozy, savory fruit jam.

Add it to your table along with gravlax and Swedish meatballs for a festive holiday!

Skål!

Aquavit

Aquavit

Yield: 1 liter
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 3 days
Total Time: 3 days 5 minutes

Homemade aquavit is a classic Scandinavian spirit for the holidays.



Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
  • 1 sprig fresh dill
  • 1 3-inch lemon peel, with as much white pith removed as possible
  • 1 3-inch orange or clementine peel, with as much white pith removed as possible
  • 1 liter vodka

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a large jug or divide among smaller containers. Seal jug.
  2. 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.)

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • OXO Good Grips Prep Y-Peeler
    OXO Good Grips Prep Y-Peeler
  • RAM-PRO 4-Piece All Purpose Plastic Funnel Set
    RAM-PRO 4-Piece All Purpose Plastic Funnel Set
  • Swing Top Glass Bottles 32oz / 1 Litre [4pk Set]
    Swing Top Glass Bottles 32oz / 1 Litre [4pk Set]
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 Servings
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 145Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

Share on Instagram and tag @stetted!

© Megan
Cuisine: Swedish / Category: Drinks
Cranberry Apple Crumble
Stocking Stuffers for Foodies

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Join the Conversation
  1. Melody says

    December 1, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    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 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 1, 2014 at 7:54 pm

      @Melody I hope you enjoy! My grandfather is Swedish so I decided to do this to honor him.

      Reply
  2. Rachel says

    December 2, 2014 at 8:44 am

    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!

    Reply
  3. Jenn says

    December 2, 2014 at 10:06 am

    I’m not Swedish at all but I want to come to your Julbord! It sounds delicious.

    Reply
  4. DessertForTwo says

    December 8, 2014 at 11:46 am

    This is so fun and unique! I love it!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 8, 2014 at 8:08 pm

      @Christina Thank you! It was fun to add something special to the table this year 🙂

      Reply
  5. dompet4d says

    April 16, 2019 at 1:11 am

    Wow! At last I got a webpage from where I be able to truly obtain useful data regarding my study and knowledge.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

I focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients in my family-friendly meals. Come live a balanced life with me!

Read More »

Subscribe via Email

to stay in the loop on new posts!

Reader Faves

Spicy glazed brussels sprouts are a quick and easy side dish. It gets its flavor from the fiery Korean condiment, gochujang.

Spicy Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Learn how to peel tomatoes for cooking and canning. It's easy!

How to Peel Tomatoes

Bison One-Pot Dinner

Bison One-Pot Dinner

Raspberries and Cream Pie

Raspberries & Cream Pie

Browse Around

  • Muffins
  • Side Dishes
  • Cookies
  • Vegetarian
  • Cakes
  • Videos

    Hungry for more Texas recipes?

    Footer

    Seasonal

    Butternut Squash Tacos

    Butternut Squash Tacos with Black Beans

    Broccoli Cheese Toastie

    Broccoli Cheese Toasties

    Spiced pear cake is a lovely cake for any party, or just because.

    Spiced Pear Cake

    Popular

    This comforting Instant Pot Irish lamb stew is full of tender lamb and vegetables. It's a wonderful way to end to the day.

    Instant Pot Irish Lamb Stew

    Baked bison meatballs are quick and easy to make any night of the week. Use them for pasta, sandwiches, and more.

    Baked Bison Meatballs

    Copycat Starbucks Breakfast Sandwich

    Copycat Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches

    apple recipes

    Apple Coffee Cake

    Whole wheat apple cinnamon muffins are bursting with flavor. The whole family will love them.

    Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Muffins

    Swedish Apple Pie

    Swedish Apple Pie

    Follow stetted on Twitter Follow stetted on Facebook Follow stetted on Instagram Follow stetted on Pinterest
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
    Copyright © 2021 Megan MyersTheme by Once Coupled & Melissa Rose Design