Aquavit Cocktails - Imbibe Magazine Subscribe + Save

A traditional spirit of Scandinavia, aquavit is gaining more fans stateside as new labels export to the U.S. and American craft distillers make their own interpretations of the spirit. Jacob Grier, Portland, Oregon-based bartender and founder of Aquavit Week, says it’s a surprisingly versatile spirit for mixing in cocktails, too. “Stirred drinks, shaken drinks, punches, flips, toddies, beers and shots—there’s really nothing aquavit can’t do. It also plays well in split-base cocktails,” says Grier. “I’ve come across a lot of very tasty drinks in the U.S. that use aquavit as a complement to more familiar spirits like whiskey, gin, tequila, or mezcal.”

Pick up a copy of the Sept/Oct 2019 issue for an in-depth look at modern-day aquavit and head to our primer to learn more about the spirit, then kickstart your mixing adventures with these creative aquavit cocktails.

Aquavit Hot Cider
A wintry cider inspired by Scandinavian flavors.

Bar Clacson’s Espresso Martini
A minty-fresh take on the classic.

Blod & Skar
And herbaceous take on the Blood & Sand.

Clockwork Orange
A dessert cocktail that merges the flavors of coffee, orange and aquavit.

Early Start
Sorrel takes root in this herbaceous sour.

Hideaway Honey
The spice bouquet of aged aquavit mingles perfectly with the herbaceous qualities of yellow Chartreuse.

Scandinavian Daiquiri
The Daiquiri gets a Nordic twist.

St. Knut’s Day
A sparkling cocktail perfect for the holidays.

Summer in Oulu
Aquavit and Fernet spice up cold-brew coffee in this warming cocktail.

The Witches
A fragrant and herbaceous blend of aquavit, Chartreuse and sherry.

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