Aquavit is often referred to as the spirit of the Nordics. Traditionally consumed in ceremonial sips or celebratory toasts, it has a long history of bold, herbal flavor rooted in centuries of Scandinavian tradition. However, at Batch 22, aquavit deserves a more prominent role behind the bar. With a bright citrus-forward profile and smooth finish, our modern take on aquavit opens the door to creative, balanced cocktails.
If you are curious about the best aquavit mixed drinks, this guide will show you just how versatile this unique spirit can be. Whether you are a home bartender experimenting with new recipes or a seasoned mixologist looking for something unexpected, Batch 22 brings aquavit into a new era of cocktail innovation.
Why Aquavit Is the Missing Ingredient in Your Cocktail Repertoire
Aquavit is a clear, distilled spirit traditionally flavored with caraway or dill, often supported by fennel, anise, citrus peel, and other botanicals. While its flavor has historically been described as bold or even medicinal, new distilleries like Batch 22 are reshaping that perception.
Our approach is rooted in balance. We dial back the intensity of the caraway and highlight fresh, citrus-driven botanicals. The result is a complex but highly approachable aquavit that can be sipped neat, stirred into a Martini, or shaken into a spritz. In short, it is aquavit made for modern drinkers.
Classic Cocktails Reimagined with Aquavit
Many of the best aquavit mixed drinks begin by substituting aquavit in familiar formats. With its savory and citrusy profile, Batch 22 brings an herbal complexity that elevates the classics in subtle but surprising ways.
Aquavit Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Batch 22 Aquavit
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
Replacing gin with aquavit adds savory depth to this classic. The balance between bitter, sweet, and herbaceous is one of the best expressions of aquavit in a stirred drink.
Nordic Collins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Batch 22 Aquavit
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Soda water to the top
Shake aquavit, lemon, and syrup with ice—strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh thyme.
This tall, citrus-forward cocktail is ideal for warm weather. It showcases the brightness of Batch 22 while offering a clean, thirst-quenching finish.
Aquavit Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Batch 22 Aquavit
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Smooth and aromatic, this riff on the classic Martini is cleaner and more floral in character. It is a minimalist way to experience aquavit in a spirit-forward format.
Signature Batch 22 Mixed Drinks
At Batch 22, we collaborate closely with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts to craft original recipes that showcase the best of our aquavit. Here are some of our most popular house creations.
The 22 Spritz
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 contains a significant amount of sugar (approximately 15g in a single shot, equivalent to 5 sugar cubes, and 21g in the standard Spritz). Additionally, the bright reddish-orange color of Aperol is artificially added. It also lacks a significant amount 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 straightforward to make. It’s light, refreshing, and really showcases the wonderful flavors in Batch 22.
- Fill a large glass with ice and pour in:
- 2 oz. Batch 22
- 2 oz. Prosecco or dry sparkling wine
- 2 oz. Sanpellegrino™ Aranciata Rossa (Blood Orange)
- 2-4 dashes of orange bitters
- Twist a strip of orange peel over the top, rim the glass, and drop it in.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
Batch Happy Mule
One of our most popular cocktails, the Batch Happy Mule substitutes our Classic Gold aquavit for the traditional vodka. Light and refreshing, this drink is one that never gets old.
Instructions
- In a copper mule mug, combine:
- 2 oz. Batch 22 Classic Gold aquavit
- .5 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Top with ginger beer
- Gently stir ingredients and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Cheers!
Batch Royale
The Batch Royale is a refined take on a classic martini… minimalist yet striking.
The bright citrus of a large orange peel lifts the crisp, botanical depth of Batch 22 American Aquavit, creating a cocktail that feels effortlessly elegant and ideally suited for sophisticated sipping.
- In a shaker with ice, add:
- 3 oz. Batch 22 American Aquavit
- Large orange peel
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist and savor the flavor!
The Best Mixers to Pair with Aquavit
You do not need a full bar setup to enjoy great aquavit cocktails. Many of the best aquavit mixed drinks can be built using simple ingredients and quality mixers.
Try these combinations with Batch 22 as a base:
- Ginger beer for bold spice and brightness
- Tonic water for savory refreshment
- Lemonade or grapefruit juice for citrus-forward drinks
- Soda water and bitters for a low-effort highball
- Dry vermouth for stirred cocktails with elegance
- Herbal syrups, such as those made from mint, dill, or thyme, are used to complement the botanical profile.
Aquavit pairs well with both savory and sweet mixers, making it an ideal choice for experimentation.
Food Pairings That Enhance Aquavit Cocktails
While aquavit cocktails are satisfying on their own, thoughtful food pairings can elevate the experience. With its herbaceous profile and citrus notes, Batch 22 pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
- Smoked salmon, gravlax, or cured fish: The botanicals in aquavit complement the richness and saltiness of these preserved seafood options.
- Soft cheeses and rye crackers: The caraway notes in aquavit complement the flavor of rye, balancing creamy textures.
- Pickled vegetables and charcuterie: Briny, acidic flavors find balance in citrus-forward cocktails.
- Herb-roasted chicken or grilled vegetables: Lighter proteins and herbal marinades highlight the complexity of the spirit.
When designing a cocktail menu or dinner party, aquavit opens the door to food and drink pairings that feel distinctive and elevated.
Batch 22 and the Future of Aquavit Mixed Drinks
The best aquavit mixed drinks are not limited to tradition. At Batch 22, we believe this spirit belongs on every back bar and in every cocktail lover’s home. Whether you prefer spirit-forward drinks, citrus spritzes, or savory highballs, aquavit offers a unique foundation for bold and refreshing flavor combinations.
Our modern American aquavit is crafted to be versatile, balanced, and unforgettable. With Batch 22, aquavit becomes more than a historical curiosity. It becomes a creative tool for today’s most thoughtful bartenders and enthusiastic home drinkers.
Explore more cocktail inspiration or order your first bottle today here!
