Given the popularity of Scandinavian food over the past few years, it’s strange that Nordic drinks haven’t followed suit – or, not in a good way. Lagers such as Carlsberg and ciders such as Rekorderlig and Kopparberg may be top sellers for Denmark and Sweden, respectively, but, frankly, they could have been made anywhere.
Scandinavia’s most distinctive drink is aquavit (or akvavit, as it’s spelled in Sweden), which is generally a grain- or potato-based spirit infused with botanicals, much as gin is, but with caraway and dill rather than juniper as the key flavouring. Also known as snaps, it’s traditionally consumed with food, often with a lager chaser, and is particularly good with cured and pickled fish. (While researching this piece, I also came across a Welsh aquavit, the 40% Silver Circle Aqua Vit, which is £35.95 for 70cl from The Secret Bottle Shop; that would be fun if you’re looking for an unusual gift, though it has a bit too much caraway for my taste.)
