aquavit

Try a new flavor this season. Aquavit, is a Dutch liquor that has been around since the middle ages. The beverage became popular in the the Nordic region of the world due to its ability to pair extremely well with fish and beer. The spirit is notably aged in oak barrels for 1 month to 4 months which gives it a signature carmel color, but you can make this at home for yourself in shorter amount of time! The drink is flavored with dill, fennel and caraway which makes it sweet, licorice flavored and slightly dilly. This is not your normal alcoholic staple since it is more brewed due to norwegian customs than anything. When a deal is struck the beverage is taken as a shot in congratulations.  I recommend mixing it with soda, champaign and a lemon to add a more complex twist to your meal. If you want to be a traditionalist you should drink beer (try a lager, with a slight maltiness, this will enhance the flavors of the drink) and shoot the beverage while it is served out of shot glasses afterward - nordic tradition.

Aquavit 

ingredients:

3 TB corriander

2 TB fennel

2 TB dill

1 TB caraway

1 liter vodka

6 whole peppercorns

2 cloves

directions:

1. combine ingredients into an air tight jar. 

2. cover and let stand for 2 - 3 weeks (longer it stands the less you will taste the dill and the more you will taste the fennel). 

3. shake jar carefully every few days, care to muddle the ingredients by turning the jar over one or twice. 

4. strain with cheesecloth and decant into 4, 8 oz. glass bottles. 

5. you can keep for up to a year.