Aquavit has been part of Scandinavian culture for centuries, but for many American drinkers, it is still a mystery. Is it something you shoot? Sip slowly? Mix into cocktails? The answer depends on the type of aquavit you are drinking—and the kind of experience you want from your glass.
At Batch 22, we crafted a citrus-forward aquavit that is as versatile as it is flavorful. Whether you are enjoying it neat, chilled, or mixed into a cocktail, there are more ways than ever to appreciate this storied spirit. So, what is the best way to drink aquavit? The answer is personal, but we are here to guide you through the possibilities.
Understanding Aquavit: A Unique Botanical Spirit
Aquavit is a distilled spirit flavored primarily with caraway or dill, along with a wide range of supporting botanicals such as fennel, anise, coriander, and citrus peel. Its roots date back to the 1500s, when it was used as a medicinal tonic before becoming a celebratory staple in countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Traditional aquavits are often intense and savory, and some are even aged in oak casks to deepen their flavor. These heritage styles are usually consumed straight and chilled, most often during holidays and family gatherings.
Batch 22 takes a different approach. We honor the traditions of aquavit while introducing a more modern flavor profile. Our American aquavit features a lighter hand with caraway and a bright, citrus-forward blend of botanicals that make it just as enjoyable in a neat pour as it is in a contemporary cocktail.
Drinking Aquavit the Traditional Way
In Scandinavia, aquavit is most often served neat and chilled. It typically makes an appearance at weddings, Christmas feasts, Midsummer celebrations, and other cultural rituals. One of the most iconic ways to enjoy it is during a communal toast known as a “skål,” where guests raise their glasses, lock eyes, and take a sip together.
This method is about more than just flavor. It is about ceremony, connection, and shared history. If you want to experience aquavit the way it has been enjoyed for generations, here are a few tips:
- Chill the Bottle: Aquavit is often kept in the freezer and served very cold. This softens the intensity of traditional caraway-heavy styles.
- Use a Small Glass: A shot glass or small tulip-shaped vessel helps concentrate the aromas and offers the right portion size for a toast.
- Pair with Food: In Nordic countries, aquavit is typically served with traditional dishes such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, rye bread, and various cheeses.
Although Batch 22 is smoother than many traditional aquavits, it still shines in these cultural contexts. If you want a chilled, neat pour that brings people together, this is a meaningful and delicious way to start.
Sipping Aquavit to Explore Its Complexity
While tradition leans toward shots and toasts, the best way to drink aquavit for many modern spirits lovers is by sipping it slowly and appreciating its botanical nuances.
Batch 22 was developed specifically with balance and subtlety in mind. Our blend of herbs, citrus peel, and spice allows each flavor note to unfold gradually, especially when served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Here is how to get the most from sipping aquavit:
- Let it Breathe: Pour a small amount into a tulip-shaped or whiskey-style glass. Allow it to rest for a minute before sipping to open up the aromatics.
- Drink at Room Temperature: While traditionally done, keeping your aquavit cold can suppress some of the more delicate citrus and floral notes. If you want to explore the full range of the spirit, try it slightly warmer than the traditional serving temperature.
- Take Your Time: Just like with a fine whiskey or mezcal, aquavit rewards patience. Sip slowly and observe how the flavor evolves with each taste.
Sipping Batch 22 neat is one of the purest ways to experience what makes our aquavit different. It is a great starting point for those new to the category and a rewarding option for seasoned spirits drinkers looking to explore something new.
Mixing Aquavit into Cocktails
One of the biggest myths about aquavit is that it is only meant to be consumed straight. That might be true for some traditional varieties, but not for Batch 22. We built our recipe with cocktail versatility in mind, allowing it to serve as a substitute for vodka, gin, or even tequila in a wide range of drinks.
If you are wondering what the best way is to drink aquavit in a cocktail, here are some standout options:
The 22 Spritz
- 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.
Discover our alternative to the Aperol Spritz, the 22 Spritz! It’s a delicious, all-natural, low-sugar cocktail (60% less sugar than the Aperol Spritz), and it’s straightforward to make. It’s light, refreshing, and it really shows off the wonderful flavors in Batch 22.
Batch Cola
- 2 oz. Mama Juana (spiced rum; we love Candela)
- 1 oz. Batch 22
- .25 Lemon juice
- 1 oz. Soda
- Squeeze of lemon
- Stir and garnish with a wide lemon peel twist.
While experimenting with a bunch of spirits and ingredients we were not familiar with, we stumbled upon this mix of flavors, which reminded us of a 70-proof, adult version of Coca-Cola. It’s super refreshing, not too sweet, and so easy to make.
Nordic 75
- 2 oz. Batch 22
- 1 oz. Lemon
- 1 oz. Sage agave simple syrup
- Sparkling wine for finishing
Our version of the classic French 75 substitutes gin for Batch 22 aquavit and adds a special herbal note by using a bit of sage-infused simple syrup.
Cocktail versatility is one of the key advantages of choosing Batch 22. Whether you are building a brunch drink or an aperitif, the spirit integrates easily while bringing something unexpected to the mix.
Food Pairings to Enhance the Drinking Experience
Whether you are sipping aquavit neat or mixing it into cocktails, pairing it with food can elevate the experience. Due to its savory backbone and aromatic complexity, aquavit pairs well with a variety of cuisines.
Here are some ideal pairings to try with Batch 22:
- Seafood: Smoked salmon, oysters, shrimp cocktail, or ceviche
- Charcuterie: Cured meats, pickled vegetables, olives, and cheeses
- Herb-Forward Dishes: Grilled chicken with rosemary, roasted carrots with dill, fennel-based salads
- Nordic-Inspired Small Plates: Rye crackers, soft cheeses, cucumbers, and radishes
Food pairing is not required, but it adds context and contrast that enhances the botanicals in the spirit. For a truly well-rounded experience, consider matching your aquavit to seasonal ingredients or classic Scandinavian flavors.
When and Where to Drink Aquavit
Aquavit is often thought of as a special-occasion spirit, but Batch 22 is changing that. Thanks to its lighter, more versatile profile, our aquavit suits a broader range of settings and occasions.
Some ideas for when to enjoy Batch 22:
- Dinner Parties: Serve chilled for a welcome toast or mix into cocktails for guests.
- At Home: During a quiet evening at home, sip neat or build a simple highball with tonic or soda.
- As a Shift in Your Bar Routine: Use in place of gin or vodka to change up the classics.
- Celebrations: Raise a glass with friends and introduce them to something new
The best way to drink aquavit is the way that brings the most enjoyment to your moment. With a spirit as dynamic as Batch 22, there is no wrong way to raise a glass.
The Best Way to Drink Aquavit Is the Way You Like It
At its core, aquavit is about flavor, ritual, and discovery. Whether you are drawn to its cultural heritage or intrigued by its versatility, there are many ways to enjoy it—and none of them are wrong.
Batch 22 is crafted to make aquavit more accessible, more interesting, and more enjoyable for everyone. You can chill it and toast with friends, sip it slowly to explore its layers, or build it into cocktails that highlight its unique character. The best way to drink aquavit is your way.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Discover Batch 22 online and find your new favorite way to enjoy aquavit.
