General information
Aquavit is a strong alcoholic drink traditional for Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Its strength is usually between 37 and 45 percent. It is made from grain or potato spirit infused with herbs and spices, mainly caraway or dill. The name comes from the Latin aqua vitae – “water of life”. The first mentions date back to the 15th century, when the drink was used as a medicine.

History and cultural significance
Aquavit appeared when northerners were looking for ways to stay healthy in a harsh climate. In 1531, in Norway, Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson sent a barrel of the drink to Copenhagen with a letter claiming it could cure “all diseases”. Over time, aquavit became an essential part of festive tables, especially at Christmas, Easter and national holidays.
In the 19th century, Norway developed the tradition of aging aquavit in oak barrels transported by sea to warm countries and back. It was believed that the rocking, temperature changes and humidity gave the drink a special taste. This is how the famous “Linie Aquavit” appeared, crossing the equator twice during its voyage.

Facts and figures
– Strength: 37–45%
– Main spices: caraway, dill, coriander, anise, fennel
– Aging time: from several months to several years
– In Norway, more than 4 million liters of aquavit are consumed annually
– Linie Aquavit travels for about 4 months and covers more than 35000 kilometers

Related stories
One legend says aquavit helped sailors survive long voyages, keeping them warm in cold latitudes. In Sweden, there is a tradition of singing special songs – “snapsvisor” – before drinking a shot of aquavit. In Denmark, the drink is often served at the Christmas table with pickled herring and rye bread.

Tourist places related to aquavit
– Oslo, Norway – Arcus Aquavit Museum, where you can learn about production, history and taste different varieties.
– Trondheim, Norway – historic port from which ships carrying Linie Aquavit barrels departed.
– Aalborg, Denmark – city famous for the Aalborg Akvavit brand, with tasting halls and gastronomic tours.
– Gothenburg, Sweden – restaurants where aquavit is served with traditional dishes of Western Sweden.
– Bergen, Norway – festivals where aquavit is paired with seafood dishes.

Popular Aquavit Brands
– Linie Aquavit (Norway) – Famous for its “line voyage” aging process, where barrels cross the equator twice, developing a smooth, oaky, and spiced profile.
– O.P. Anderson (Sweden) – Classic Swedish aquavit with caraway, anise, and fennel; a staple at festive tables.
– Aalborg Akvavit (Denmark) – Iconic Danish brand with several variations, from dill-infused to Christmas editions.
– Bareksten Botanical Aquavit (Norway) – Modern craft style with a rich bouquet of Nordic herbs and spices.
– Løiten Linie (Norway) – Traditional oak-aged aquavit with a warm, spicy character.
– Brennivín (Iceland) – Known as the “Black Death,” this Icelandic aquavit is bold, herbal, and often paired with fermented shark.
– Krogstad Aquavit (USA) – American interpretation with Scandinavian botanicals, popular in cocktails.
– Tattersall Aquavit (USA) – Minnesota-made, bright and citrusy with traditional caraway notes.

How to Drink Aquavit
– Temperature: Traditionally served chilled (around 42–46°F / 6–8°C) in small glasses. Aged varieties can be enjoyed at room temperature to appreciate the aroma.
– Glassware: Tulip-shaped or cordial glasses concentrate the aroma; shot glasses are common for festive toasts.
– Neat: Sip slowly to enjoy the herbal complexity.
– With Food: Perfect with pickled herring, smoked salmon, cured meats, strong cheeses, and rye bread.
– In Cocktails: Works well in Martinis, Negronis, or with tonic and citrus for a Nordic twist.
– Rituals: In Scandinavia, it’s common to make eye contact, say “Skål!” and sometimes sing a short drinking song before sipping.

Price Range (USD)
– Entry-level brands (O.P. Anderson, Aalborg) – $20–$30 for 700–750 ml
– Classic voyage-aged (Linie Aquavit) – $32–$40 for 750 ml
– Premium craft aquavits (Bareksten, Løiten Linie) – $45–$70 for 700–750 ml
– Special editions & aged in wine casks – $70–$120+ depending on rarity
– Luxury & collectible bottlings – $150–$300+ for limited releases