How to use akvavit (aquavit) in a cocktail? Make an Occidental

Learn how to use akvavit (Aquavit) to make a modern classic cocktail, an Occidental.
Akvavit (or aquavit) is a Scandinavian liquor that should be on everyone’s home bar. In general, it is a neutral spirit that is distilled from either grain or potatoes. After distillation, the base spirit is always flavored with caraway. That is the hallmark flavors of all akvavits. Beyond caraway, akvavits are flavored with dill, anise, coriander, cardamom, fennel, cumin, and citrus peel. In short, it’s a savory flavor-bomb that is wonderful as a base spirit in cocktails.

However, you won’t find akvavit in most classic cocktail books, which is crazy since the first written record of akvavit occurred in 1531. Back then, Danish Lord Eske Bille of Bergenhus Caste wrote a letter to the Norwegian bishop Olav Engelbrektsson and included a spiced-liquor with medicinal powers. Yet, even with almost 500 years of existence, akvavit has generally been drunk neat, often with a beer chaser. Cocktails were an afterthought.

Luckily for you, that has changed over the past ten plus years. Top cocktail bars have embraced akvavit and you should too.

Occidental
2 oz Linie aquavit
¾ oz Grand Marnier
½ oz Amaro Nonino
1 barspoon Fernet-Branca
Combine all ingredients except for the Fernet-Branca in a mixing glass. Fill with ice. Stir. In a chilled coupe, add the Fernet-Branca and swirl the glass around so the Frenet coats the sides. Drink the Fernet (or pour it out, but we don’t like to waste alcohol). Strain the mixing glass contents into the Fernet rinsed coupe glass.

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About:
In this video, John from Teakwood Tavern Hospitality shares how to utilize akvavit (aquavit) to make an Occidental cocktail. Learn how to make a modern classic cocktail and build a home bar.