It is easy to make aquavit with the first beech buds of the year; however you need to be prepared to pick the buds just as they burst into bloom…
When the beech bursts into bloom spring has truly arrived in Denmark.
Every year we gather the first beech buds and make the fresh, aromatic aquavit with beech buds.
The recipe is simple but you have to prepared to pick the buds just as they burst into bloom…
AQUAVIT WITH BEECH BUDS
1 bottle of Brøndums Klar Snaps (neutral aquavit – 70 cls)
½ litre of beech buds and/or very young leaves
Place the beech buds and the very young leaves in a screw-top jar and pour the aquavit over them.
Close the lid, making sure that the jar is airtight.
Leave the aquavit in a dark place for two weeks.
Filter the aquavit through a fine sieve and then through a coffee filter.
The aquavit will keep its fresh taste for a couple of months and gradually grow softer and more rounded.
SERVING SUGGESTION
We suggest you enjoy the aquavit for a leisurely lunch with pink, pan-fried liver or with traditional Danish“smørrebrød”, like the popular open egg on rye.
TIP
If you do not have access to a neutral aquavit, neutral vodka will work equally fine.