As we experience a shift towards nuanced botanical spirits, American aquavit is under-appreciated. Unlike traditional Scandinavian versions, brands like Batch 22 offer a smoother, citrus-forward profile without the harsh anise.
The Rise of American Aquavit
Aquavit (or akvavit) has been a staple in Scandinavia for centuries, traditionally distilled from grain or potatoes and flavored with caraway and dill. However, the traditional profile can be polarizing. Enter the new wave of American aquavit. Distillers in the United States are reimagining the spirit, toning down the aggressive caraway notes and amplifying citrus, floral, and warm spice elements.
Why These Cocktails?
To curate this list, we looked at what is currently trending in the global cocktail community. We avoided the standard Mules and Negronis you might already know. Instead, we selected recipes that highlight three specific trends:
- The Modern Classic Riff: Adapting high-acid, spirit-forward modern classics (like the Paper Plane).
- The Fresh Smash: The resurgence of muddled fresh fruit and bitter components (like the Enzoni).
- The Tropical-Savory Crossover: Combining coffee, nuts, and citrus for a complex mouthfeel (like the Secret Handshake).
These drinks demonstrate that botanical spirits like Batch 22 can seamlessly replace bourbon, gin, or tequila to create something entirely new.
1. The Gilded Plane
The Paper Plane is a modern classic created initially by bartender Sam Ross. It traditionally uses equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. It is beloved for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter.
By swapping the bourbon for Batch 22, we create “The Gilded Plane.” The caraway and dill notes of the American aquavit complement the orange bitterness of the Aperol and the herbal sweetness of the Amaro Nonino.
The result is a lighter, more aromatic version of the classic that feels tailored for transitional seasons, perfect for late winter evenings or early spring afternoons. The aquavit cuts through the liqueurs’ sugar, providing a crisp finish that whiskey sometimes obscures.
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz Batch 22 American Aquavit
- 0.75 oz Aperol
- 0.75 oz Amaro Nonino
- 0.75 oz Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a small paper plane or a simple lemon twist.
Tasting Notes:
You will notice an immediate hit of citrus zest on the nose, followed by the bittersweet orange of the Aperol. The mid-palate introduces the savory caraway of the aquavit, which grounds the drink and prevents it from becoming too candy-like. The finish is long, herbal, and refreshing.
2. The Nordic Vine
The Enzoni is a cult favorite among bartenders, often described as a cross between a Negroni and a Gin Sour, with the addition of muddled grapes. It is a brilliant cocktail because the tannins from the grape skins add a dryness that mimics wine, while the fresh juice adds acidity.
Using aquavit, such as Batch 22, in place of gin transforms this drink into “The Nordic Vine.” The savory herbs of the spirit bridge the gap between the bitter Campari and the sweet grapes. While gin imparts juniper notes, Batch 22 offers a warmer, toastier spice profile that complements the red-fruit flavors of Campari. This drink is currently trending as a “porch sipper” that offers complexity without high alcohol heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Batch 22 American Aquavit
- 1 oz Campari
- 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 5 Green Grapes
Instructions:
- Place the grapes at the bottom of a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release their juice and break the skins.
- Add the Batch 22, Campari, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake hard until well-chilled.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This ensures no grape skins end up in the drink.
- Garnish with a skewer of three fresh grapes.
Tasting Notes:
The color is a stunning, vibrant red. The taste starts with the tart freshness of lemon and grapes, moves into the bitter punch of Campari, and resolves with the smooth, savory undertones of the aquavit. It is texturally rich and complex, a perfect example of how American aquavit can elevate fresh produce.
3. The Midnight Sun Handshake
One of the most interesting micro-trends in mixology right now is the combination of coffee, citrus, and nuts. The “Secret Handshake” is a bartender’s handshake cocktail that typically uses tequila, coffee liqueur, orgeat syrup, and citrus. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it is delicious.
We have adapted this concept to create “The Midnight Sun Handshake.” The caraway in Batch 22 has a natural affinity for coffee (a pairing often seen in Scandinavian culture) and almonds. When you add the brightness of lime and orange, you get a tiki-style drink that feels winter-appropriate yet refreshing. This is perhaps the most adventurous use of American aquavit on our list, proving its ability to stand up to bold, competing flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Batch 22 American Aquavit
- 0.25 oz Coffee Liqueur (such as Mr. Black or Kahlúa)
- 0.75 oz Orgeat (Almond Syrup)
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Orange Juice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice.
- Shake vigorously to emulsify the almond syrup and citrus.
- Strain into a highball glass or a tiki mug filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a dehydrated orange wheel.
Tasting Notes:
This drink is a journey. It opens with bright tropical citrus, then transitions into the nutty sweetness of marzipan from the orgeat. The finish is where the magic happens. The roasted coffee notes blend with the toasted caraway of the aquavit for a savory, warming conclusion. It is creamy, zesty, and deeply satisfying.
The Versatility of American Aquavit
As these recipes demonstrate, the category of American aquavit is not limited to simple chilled shots or Bloody Mary riffs. It is a dynamic, full-flavored spirit that can lead the sour, bitter, and tropical flavor profiles.
Whether you are looking to impress guests with a Gilded Plane or treat yourself to the complex comfort of a Midnight Sun Handshake, Batch 22 provides the perfect foundation. Its unique balance of citrus and spice allows you to explore new corners of the flavor map without leaving your home bar.
