#AquavitWeek is upon us and for those of you that have never tried this delicious Scandinavian spirit – it’s time! I suggest for your first bottle to get Linie, a Norwegian-style aquavit, which means it’s made from a neutral potato base spirit and barrel aged, giving it a slightly nutty back note. Linie is distilled with caraway (the classic flavor note – just like juniper is to gin), star anise, and other botanicals. It’s aged for a year in sherry barrels in Norway, then takes a four month journey at sea from Oslo to Australia and back.

Being a Scandi myself I have enjoyed aquavit for many years, as a slow sipper– but also these days I love its unique flavor notes shaken or stirred into a cocktail like the Katerina – perfect for a brisk fall evening. – Kathy

The seventh annual Aquavit Week returns for a celebration of the signature spirit of the Nordics from November 4^th to 10^th. To learn more and to find out where to sip on an inspired Aquavit cocktail go to www.AquavitWeek.com.

Toast to Aquavit Week with a Katerina cocktail!

Katerina
The Katerina cocktail is a spirit forward drink that mixes so many of my favorite potables; botanical gin, the delicious aged and spice notes of Linie aquavit, the slight bitter and sweet of the vermouth – sparked with an aromatic citrus punch from Angostura orange bitters and the bright finish of lemon peel oil.

Makes 1 cocktail

3/4 oz. Linie Aquavit
1 oz. Sipsmith Gin
3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostora Orange Bitters
Fat lemon peel

Measure the Linie Aquavit, Sipsmith Gin, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass. Dash in the Angostura bitters. Fill mixing glass three-quarters with ice and stir with a cocktail spoon for about 20-30 seconds.

Strain into a rocks glass over a large block ice cube. Express lemon oil over cocktail, twist and add to drink. And raise your glass to #AquavitWeek!

Cocktail and photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com