Nordic spirit: why aquavit is on the rise

Aquavit is making waves in bars due to its mixability and the sector is poised to continue to grow globally.

As the national spirit of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, aquavit offers a taste of Nordic culture and tradition. The category is booming as drinkers seek to explore the unique characteristics of aquavit and its provenance and traditions.

Now, it is making its way into cocktails around the globe. The category has exploded in popularity as bartenders across the world experiment with the spirit due to its versatility and complexity in cocktails. One example being acclaimed cocktail bar Himkok in Oslo, which is shining a light on the category by distilling its own aquavit and using it as the base for serves on its menu.

There are aquavit microdistilleries popping up in countries across the world, signalling a positive future for the category. However, the true home of aquavit is in the Nordics, where the category was born. Distinct differences can be found between those spirits produced in the countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Founded in 1846, Aalborg Akvavit is preferred by the Danes, and the most famous Aalborg Taffel is the most-sold aquavit in the world, with spices notes of caraway, dill and orange. In 2023, Aalborg Taffel was awarded an IWSC gold medal with a whopping 99 points – earning it the ‘Oustanding’ accolade.

Lysholm Linie Aquavit dates back to 1805. It is matured at sea for four months in oloroso Sherry casks, crossing the equator twice during its voyage. While onboard, the constant movement and change in temperature encourages barrel interaction, which results in a more robust spirit.

Founded in 1891, Swedish aquavit O.P. Anderson uses 100% organic ingredients, and has reduced its overall waste to just 4.2%.

As well as these brands, there is a subset of Norwegian aquavit that is protected through EU geographical indications that require it be flavoured with caraway or dill, aged for a minimum of six months, and at least 95% of the spirit be made from Norwegian potatoes. One example is Gammel Opland, which was founded in 1872, and matures its spirit in Sherry barrels for anywhere between two and 18 years.

Global recognition for aquavit

For these countries, aquavit represents family and togetherness, as the rituals of singing, and eating are elevated by its presence. There is a vast world to explore, and the spirit is starting to gain global recognition, as top bartenders incorporate it into their cocktails.

You can order a Slap Me Silly at Duck and Cover in Copenhagen, made with Aalborg Akvavit, Campari, blueberry, and celeriac. NoMad Hotel in London serves The Red Curtain, made with Linie Aquavit, rum, lemon juice, cucumber juice, agave, vanilla syrup, beetroot juice, egg white, and strawberry. Mace in New York uses the spirit in its namesake drink, along with Aperol, beet juice, orange acid, young Thai coconut cordial, and mace mist.

These are among the World’s 50 Best Bars, each bridging the past and the present by recontextualizing this traditionally Nordic spirit for modern audiences.

Elsewhere, aquavit is making its way into a greater number of classic cocktails, such as the Nordic Negroni, Aquavit Mule, and Linie Ginger.

For the spirit enthusiast and the cocktail creative alike, aquavit offers a spirit rich in history and flavour and perfect for a variety of serves. Most important is to enjoy it at celebrations and in the presence of loved ones.

That togetherness and enjoyment remains central to the spirit of the Nordics.