How to Make Akvavit – Water Of Life

To make Akvavit you don’t have to go to the woods, you just need a couple of simple spices that you may already have in your pantry.

Akvavit, the “water of life,” is a powerful elixir that has been a beloved part of Scandinavian culture for centuries. It is more than just a spirit – it is a symbol of the strength, courage, and joy of the Vikings.

The unique blend of grains, caraway seeds, and other herbs that make up Akvavit was believed to imbue the drinker with these qualities, making it a popular choice among Viking warriors before battle. It was said to invigorate the body and mind, filling the warrior with the power needed to face even the most fearsome opponents.

But Akvavit was not just a drink for warriors. It was also a part of everyday Viking life, served at feasts, celebrations, and even funerals. The people would raise their glasses and toast to their gods, their families, and to the joys of life. Akvavit was a symbol of the Viking way of life, a reminder of the importance of the things that kept the community together.

Even today, Akvavit remains an important part of Scandinavian culture. It is served at special occasions and enjoyed with meals, particularly fish dishes. The distinctive flavor of Akvavit, with its hints of caraway, dill, and other herbs, is a testament to the traditions of the Viking people, and a reminder of the power and magic of this elixir of the gods.

So, let us raise our glasses and toast to the spirit of the Viking people, and to the power of Akvavit – the “water of life” that brings together strength, courage, and joy.

In the old days they used to add different kinds of herbs to vodka. Back then it was often for healing purposes but also as a way, to take out some of the sharp taste in pure spirits. Wormwood was used to cure loss of appetite, both Caraway seeds and Fennel was used to treat digestive problems and St John’s wort was supposed to heal angst and depression.

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Whether these cures are true or not I enjoy flavoring pure vodka with different kinds of herbs and plants. Some of the herbs we find during the summer in the woods (St John’s wort and Bog Myrtle) or in our own garden (black currant, wormwood and coriander).

To make Akvavit you don’t really have to go to the woods, you just need some simple spices that you may already have in your pantry: coriander seeds, fennel seeds and whole caraway seeds. Crush them roughly with a mortar and pestle and soak them in pure vodka for a couple of days. Let it soak longer for a stronger essence or less if you want a lighter taste. Strain and dilute with more vodka to the taste that you like.

Now, after you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with any herb or spice you like to add to your creation. Cinnamon sticks. Rosemary sprigs. Whole chilis. Lemon zest. There’s really no limit to the infusions you can make, and it is 100% acceptable in Scandinavian tradition to play around with flavors.

How to Make Homemade Akvavit

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To make Akvavit you don’t have to go to the woods, you just need a couple of simple spices that you may already have in your pantry.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Category: liquor
• Method: steeping
• Cuisine: Scandinavian

Ingredients

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• 1 bottle of high quality vodka
• 1 tbsp Caraway seeds, crushed
• 1 tbsp Fennel seeds, crushed
• 1 tbsp Coriander seeds, crushed

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Instructions

• Add all the crushed seeds to the vodka.
• Refrigerate for three days.
• After three days, strain to get all the crushed seeds out.
• If you want to continue to flavor your akvavit, add sprigs of rosemary, lime zest, whole chili, or cracked cinnamon sticks.
• Refrigerate for an additional three days, tasting as you go to ensure you get the flavor profile you are looking for.

Notes

Making akvavit is not an exact art – make sure you sample your creation every day to find the sweet spot for the flavor you are looking for.