Cool off with the Nordic Summer cocktail recipe! Mix Aquavit, Aperol, and lime juice for a refreshing summer drink.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
- 1 oz Aquavit
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Orange twist - for garnish, optional
Coupe Glass
Shaker
Strainer & Fine-strainer
Measuring Jigger
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.
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.