aquavit

American  

[ah-kwuh-veet, ak-wuh-] / ˈɑ kwəˌvit, ˈæk wə- /

Also akvavit

noun

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

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aquavit British  

/ ˈækwəˌvɪt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of aquavit

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

Example Sentences

“So many bartenders have made riffs on the Negroni and, at home, people accidentally make them all the time,” Tulloch said, adding that her favorite twist involves Aquavit.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

And according to Hakan Swahn, owner of Aquavit in New York City, that is the backbone of the restaurant industry.

From Salon • May 28, 2020

Newton would eventually work in the kitchens of some of New York City’s most respected restaurants, including Le Cirque, Union Square Hospitality Group’s Tabla, Aquavit and the Four Seasons.

From Washington Times • Oct. 14, 2018

Aquavit, where American boardroom meets Scandinavian modern decor, is a graceful ship that sails on year after year.

From Forbes • Dec. 10, 2014

The next bottle -- "Aquavit, No. 1" -- was like a bone, but we had learnt wisdom by experience, and we succeeded with care in thawing it out.

From The South Pole; an account of the Norwegian Antarctic expedition in the "Fram," 1910-12 — Volume 1 and Volume 2 by Chater, Arthur G.