Aquavit Recipes

Steps:

• Add the caraway seeds to a dry saucepan and toast until lightly fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and let steep until cool. Strain and discard any solids.
• Fill a cocktail shaker and 2 rocks glasses with ice. Add the aquavit, orange juice, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons caraway syrup to the shaker and shake vigorously (save the remaining syrup for another use). Pour the drink into the glasses and top with club soda. Garnish with the orange half-rounds.

Steps:

• Open the vodka bottle, add all the remaining ingredients, and cover tightly.
• Let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking every 3 or 4 days - how long you let it sit depends on how strong you want it, so taste it after 2 weeks to see if you want to let it go longer.
• When it's as strong as you'd like, strain the solids through a sieve and discard them, then transfer the aquavit back into the bottle.
• To serve: place your aquavit in the freezer until chilled and you can also place your 1 ounce tall glasses in the refrigerator until chilled - then serve (ask your Scandinavian friends about toasting practices with aquavit, as it can be rather complicated).
• Note: some people prefer non-potato vodka - use whatever you like.