A while back, I posted about our new little aquavit bar I made in our dining room. Ryan and I will skål with some aquavit on special occasions [like getting a new job, celebrating an anniversary, or even just having a clean apartment!], and it's become a fun tradition. Unfortunately, aquavit hasn't become a mainstream liquor here in the States [yet]. So after some stealthy google searches, I've decided to give making my own aquavit a whirl, and you probably should too.
Let the craziness begin!
Put your fresh dill and citrus zest into a clean, glass bottle with a lid. Using a funnel, pour your bottle of vodka into the glass bottle containing the citrus and dill.
Let infuse for 24 hours.
Ta da! You've just made your very own Aquavit! Toast to something special!
Verdict: Ryan and I both loved it! It definitely had a stronger anise flavor than the Skåne brand aquavit we bought in Sweden. We really liked the nuanced flavors, including the citrus. For future batches, I may even let the citrus infuse one day longer.
If you try it, let me know how it works for you!
Let the craziness begin!
You will need:
750 ml bottle of vodka
5 sprigs fresh dill
Zest of 1/2 a lemon + 1/4 of an orange
3 whole star anise
1.5 tsp caraway seeds
3/4 tsp fennel seeds
Put your fresh dill and citrus zest into a clean, glass bottle with a lid. Using a funnel, pour your bottle of vodka into the glass bottle containing the citrus and dill.
Let infuse for 24 hours.
Remove the dill and citrus from the vodka after it has completed infusing. I did this by pouring out the contents of the bottle into another glass bottle, using a funnel and cheesecloth to catch the zest/dill.
Add caraway seeds, fennel, and star anise. Let infuse for 2-6 days, depending on the strength of flavor you are looking for. I really enjoy the anise/caraway flavor so I let it infuse for 5 days and it gave it a very pronounced anise flavor (like black licorice). Once your flavor level has been reached, discard spices.
Verdict: Ryan and I both loved it! It definitely had a stronger anise flavor than the Skåne brand aquavit we bought in Sweden. We really liked the nuanced flavors, including the citrus. For future batches, I may even let the citrus infuse one day longer.
If you try it, let me know how it works for you!
YUM!!!
ReplyDeleteWe'll have to have some when you come home! :D
DeleteFabulous idea! A few years ago I had my first aquavit and I did. not. like. it! Then, on the day of our Norwegian Ladies Chorus Holiday Concert, in the kitchen of the church, I was introduced to a sip of Tomten Aquavit Holiday Spice! Oh my, it was delicious and I'm sure we all sang better because of it :-). Here's the link: http://www.oldballardliquorco.com/. Scroll down to Out of Season Liquors. Love the idea of making it and giving it as gifts. Thanks for the great idea! Thinking of you and Ryan as you get ready for your baby!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely can be considered an acquired taste! :) I checked out that aquavit you linked to and it looks like that have a Julbock Aquavit coming out this Christmas that sounds delish! Lovely idea to give homemade versions as holiday gifts, too!
DeleteCan't believe baby will be here so soon - he/she will be here before we know it! :)