aquavit

[ ah-kwuh-veet, ak-wuh- ]

noun

1. a dry spirit, especially of Scandinavia, made from redistilled grain or potato alcohol and usually flavored with caraway seeds.

aquavit

/ ˈækwəˌvɪt /

noun

1. a grain- or potato-based spirit from the Scandinavian countries, flavoured with aromatic seeds and spices, esp caraway Also calledakvavit

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquavit¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from Danish, Swedish, Norwegian akvavit, aquavit, from Latin aqua vīt(ae) “water of life”

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquavit¹

from Scandinavian; see aqua vitae

Example Sentences

We climbed into our snow pants and zipped up our winter coats, poured a round of aquavit shots for courage, and headed out onto the snow-crusted deck just as the sun dipped below the treetops.

From Salon

A grapefruit mimosa meets a spin on the French 75 in this crisp cocktail with aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit that's typically flavored with caraway.

From Salon

Look to the Cookie, an aquavit drink with coconut milk and a whole egg, mimics the flavor and appearance of a black-and-white cookie.

From New York Times

Start chilling that bottle of aquavit because this year there are herring kits to go for a festival at home.

From New York Times

She’d decided to start a distillery where she lived, to make gin, vodka, whiskey, aquavit and liqueurs.

From Seattle Times