#osterlenkryddors

Aquavit & Tonic

What if gin never caught on? Think about it. How unlikely was it that a Dutch doctor experimented with infusing herbs into alcohol and his results ended up being the base spirit for nearly half the classic cocktails in the books.

What if a Swedish liqueur had been used? Aquavit and gin are nearly the same, an infusion of herbs in grain neutral spirit. Aquavit does not have juniper, though, and the fennel and cumin flavors are pretty dank. Use them in a Aquavit & Tonic only if you are sure you can handle the switch, and imagine that there's no such thing as a Gin & Tonic.

2 oz. aquavit

tonic water

lime wedge (orange slice recommended)

Fjord

Slartibartfast, that god-like character in Douglas Adam's 's increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker Guide To The Galaxy trilogy, says he likes designing continents like Sweden and Norway with fjord because they have a pleasingly "baroque feel." This drink has that feel with Österlenkryddors akvavit or aquavit. The home kit is complete and giving drinks a fun herbal kick that's beyond the realm of juniper botanicals found in gins. Cumin, coriander, and fennel are savory flavors that actually pair well with the sweetness of juice drinks and brandy.