Akvavit is distilled from potatoes or grain, and the resulting spirit is then redistilled with flavourings, which must include caraway. The EU definition states that akvavit must be 38% alc. /vol. or more and must be flavoured with caraway, though additional flavourings such as honey, whisky and sherry are also permitted and used.

Like Eastern European vodkas, akvavits are typically drunk from a frozen shot glass as a chaser. Alternatively, try adding akvavit to black coffee.