Aquavit has long been the hidden gem of the spirits world, bold, herbal, and steeped in Nordic tradition. But at Batch 22, we’ve infused that history with a modern, citrus-forward twist, making our Aquavit a celebration of the old ways and a gateway to creative cocktail culture.
If you’re wondering what to mix with Aquavit or looking to discover the best drinks with Aquavit as the star ingredient, you’re in the right place. This guide invites you to explore Aquavit’s unique character in classic and contemporary cocktails, with Batch 22 leading the way.
Why Mix with Aquavit?
Unlike vodka, which is neutral, or gin, which is defined by juniper, Aquavit brings something entirely different to the glass: an herbaceous, savory flavor profile grounded in caraway, dill, citrus, and other botanicals. Traditional aquavits lean heavily into these spice-driven notes, often making them better suited for sipping or ceremonial toasts than casual mixing.
Batch 22 changes the game. We’ve crafted a light, bright, and nuanced American Aquavit with citrus and floral notes that make it approachable and incredibly mixable. Think of it as the spirit that bridges tradition and innovation.
Whether shaking up cocktails at home or designing a new bar menu, Aquavit offers a refreshing alternative that delivers complexity without overpowering the rest of the drink.
Classic Cocktails, Reimagined with Aquavit
Aquavit can transform many familiar cocktails by adding depth, herbal complexity, and a savory edge. Here are some classic formats that shine when mixed with Batch 22 Aquavit.
Nordic Mule
Aquavit + Ginger Beer + Fresh Lime Juice
The Nordic Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy take on the Moscow Mule. Batch 22’s citrus notes elevate the ginger beer while the caraway base gives it a grounding, herbal finish. Serve over ice in a copper mug with a lime wedge and sprig of dill.
Aquavit Negroni
Aquavit + Sweet Vermouth + Campari
This Scandinavian twist on the Negroni trades gin’s piney bite for Aquavit’s spice and citrus – the result? A richer, more savory variation that plays beautifully with Campari’s bitter-sweet character.
Aquavit Martini
Aquavit + Dry Vermouth + Lemon Twist
Replace gin with Batch 22 for a clean but more interesting Martini. Stirred and served with a lemon twist, it’s a sophisticated drink with layered aromas and a citrus-savory finish.
Aquavit Bloody Mary
Aquavit + Tomato Juice + Lemon + Horseradish + Hot Sauce
Aquavit is a natural fit for a Bloody Mary. Its savory botanical base enhances the tomato and spice, delivering an elevated, balanced brunch cocktail.
Signature Cocktails with Batch 22
At Batch 22, we’re proud to offer cocktail recipes that showcase the flexibility of our Aquavit. These drinks highlight how easily Batch 22 can blend into a wide range of flavor profiles, from light and effervescent to rich and herbal.
The 22 Spritz
Batch 22 Aquavit + Sparkling Wine + Lemon + Soda
Everyone knows the Aperol Spritz. It has made Aperol a household name and has made the company wildly successful. As popular as it is, Aperol has a lot of sugar (about 15g in a single shot, which is the equivalent of 5 sugar cubes, and 21g in the standard Spritz), and bright reddish-orange Aperol is artificially colored. It also doesn’t have a whole lot of flavor.
Here’s our alternative. It’s a delicious, all-natural, low-sugar cocktail (75% less sugar than the Aperol Spritz), and it’s incredibly simple to make. It’s light, refreshing, and it really shows off the wonderful flavors in Batch 22.
The B&T
Batch 22 Aquavit + Elderflower Tonic + Rosemary Syrup + Lime
This riff on the classic gin & tonic showcases perfectly just how much Batch 22 elevates a drink when subbed for vodka or gin. The addition of rosemary syrup and bitters, and the use of elderflower tonic, provides an extra-special alchemy of refreshing herbaceousness to this wonderful cocktail.
Maui Sunset
Batch 22 Aquavit + Drambuie + Cold Brew + Pineapple Juice + Club Soda
Most coffee cocktails incorporate cream or egg whites in some form. Very few combine coffee with soda, which creates an entirely different experience. This recipe is a wonderful and unique mélange of tropical notes, smoke, and herbaceousness that is simultaneously lux but refreshing.
The Batchmobile
Batch 22 Aquavit + Orange Liquer + Lemon Juice + Orange Peel
This is our riff on the classic Sidecar, which is traditionally cognac-based. By substituting Batch 22 for the cognac, you wind up with a herbaceous, not too sweet cocktail that’s had its citrus component turbo-charged.
The Best Mixers for Aquavit
Not every aquavit cocktail needs to be complicated. You don’t need an add-on bar setup to explore and mix with Aquavit at home. Start with a quality base spirit like Batch 22 and combine it with one of the following:
- Ginger Beer: Adds spice and bite, great with citrus and fresh herbs.
- Tonic Water: Especially good with cucumber or dill for a savory G&T alternative
- Lemonade or Grapefruit Juice: Citrus brightens the botanicals
- Dry Vermouth: For elegant stirred drinks like Martinis or low-ABV options
- Soda Water: A simple highball that lets the aquavit shine
- Herbal Simple Syrups: Mint, thyme, dill, or fennel pair beautifully with Aquavit
The trick is balance. Aquavit is assertive, but the right mixer can highlight its complexity without clashing.
Food Pairings That Elevate the Experience
Aquavit is in a league of its own when pairing drinks with food. Its savory profile makes it a natural match for Nordic, Mediterranean, and coastal cuisine. Here are a few food pairings to try with your aquavit cocktails:
- Smoked or cured fish enhances the herbal notes in Aquavit.
- Pickled vegetables complement the acidity and spices in the drink.
- Rye bread, cheeses, and charcuterie are savory backdrop for sippers.
- Grilled meats with fresh herbs, such as Rosemary, dill, and fennel, bring out Aquavit’s depth.
Because of its clean, citrus-forward finish, Aquavit is exceptionally versatile for pairing. It enhances food without dominating the palate.
Aquavit in Modern Mixology
Aquavit’s versatility makes it exciting for today’s bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. It invites creativity while offering a distinctly different profile than more common spirits.
Here are a few tips for incorporating Batch 22 into your bar routine:
- Use Aquavit as a Gin or Vodka Substitute: It adds savory nuance to familiar builds
- Experiment with Herbs and Bitters: Aquavit loves complex, botanical partners
- Fresh Ingredients: Citrus, cucumber, and garden herbs complement the flavor.
- Play with Temperature: Try Aquavit in cold, stirred cocktails and warm winter drinks.
Mixologists appreciate Aquavit because chefs love unique spices, it adds character, richness, and a touch of the unexpected.
Where to Get Batch 22
Whether crafting your recipes at home or stocking up for your next gathering, Batch 22 makes exploring Aquavit’s capabilities easy.
- Order online directly from drinkbatch22.com
- Use our store locator to find retail partners near you
- Ask your local bar or cocktail lounge if they carry Batch 22
We’re constantly adding new recipes, partnerships, and events to help people experience Aquavit in a new way.
Batch 22: A New Era for Aquavit Cocktails
Aquavit may have been overlooked, but that’s changing, thanks to a new generation of distillers and drinkers who appreciate complexity, craftsmanship, and bold flavor.
At Batch 22, we believe Aquavit is more than a tradition, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to explore new drinks, experiment with savory flavors, and reinvent what a cocktail can be.
So the next time you ask yourself what to mix with Aquavit, start with Batch 22, and let your taste take it from there.
Cheers to a spirit worth discovering. Cheers to Batch 22 American Aquavit.
