Aquavit

Aquavit is a traditional distilled spirit from Northern Europe, particularly popular in countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It is made from grains or potatoes and is primarily flavored with caraway seeds, although it may also include juniper, anise, fennel, and other herbs and spices.

This liquor has a characteristic flavor and intense aroma that provide a unique touch to various culinary preparations, especially in fish marinades, sauces, and cocktails. Its use in recipes is often linked to typical Scandinavian dishes, such as gravlax or some varieties of stews and casseroles.

Regarding its properties, aquavit has a high alcohol content (between 40% and 45%) and, thanks to its herbal base, it can provide a light herbal aroma that enhances the flavor of the ingredients it is combined with. It is not commonly consumed as a cooked ingredient in dishes, but rather added at the end or used in the preparation of beverages.

In the culinary world and in different Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas, it is commonly referred to simply as aquavit or Scandinavian aquavit, although there is no exact synonym universally used due to its particular origin and composition. In some contexts, it may be compared to other flavored spirits such as orujo or pisco, although the flavor and tradition are different.