what is aquavit

Aquavit, also spelled akvavit or aquavite, is a distilled spirit that is principally produced in Scandinavia. It is a clear to pale-yellow in color, dry in flavor, and ranges in alcohol content from about 42 to 45% . Aquavit is distilled from grain or potatoes, and is flavored with a variety of herbs, with caraway and dill being the most common. Other herbs, spices, and citrus flavorings are allowed, such as anise, cardamom, citrus peel, clove, juniper, coriander, cumin, and fennel. Aquavit is an important part of Nordic drinking culture, where it is often drunk during festive gatherings, such as Christmas dinners and the Midsummer celebration, and as an aperitif. In Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, aquavit is chilled and often drunk in a single gulp from a small shot glass. In Norway, where most aquavit is matured in oak casks, the drink is served at room temperature in tulip-shaped glasses and enjoyed slowly. Aquavit is also believed to ease the digestion of rich foods.