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Nordic Summer Cocktail Drink

Nordic Summer Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Cool off with the Nordic Summer cocktail recipe! Mix Aquavit, Aperol, and lime juice for a refreshing summer drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 145

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Aquavit
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Coupe Glass
  • Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add 1 oz lime juice to the shaker.
  • Add Aperol: Measure and pour 11 oz Aperol into the shaker.
  • Add Aquavit: Add 1 oz Aquavit to the mix.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain: Fine strain your mixture into the chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with an orange zest.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Aquavit: If you don't have Aquavit, try using gin for a different but still delightful flavor. I've also used vodka in a pinch; it makes the drink smoother and less herbal.
  • Aperol: Campari can replace Aperol if you prefer a more bitter edge. For a sweeter option, try using an orange liqueur like Cointreau.
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lemon juice works well if you're out of limes. It gives a slightly different citrus note but is equally refreshing.

Making a Pitcher of Nordic Summer:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Aquavit, 8 oz of Aperol, and 8 oz of lime juice.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Aquavit, Aperol, and lime juice with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with an orange twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Aquavit Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit substitute; these are available and do a reasonable job mimicking Aquavit's botanicals.
  • Aperol Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic aperitif or make a simple syrup infused with orange peel and a touch of bitterness from some gentian roots.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.