Earlier this year, as part of my ongoing WSET Diploma studies, I took the spirits exam. As part of the prep, I tasted loads of things that were either new to me or that I had never paid particular attention to in the past. Along the way, I dallied for quite a while in the anise-flavored family (Absinthe, Pastis, Pernod, Ouzo…) and the closely-related, caraway-flavored Akvavit group.

Akvavit (or Aquavit, depending on where it’s produced) is usually a grain-based spirit flavored with caraway as its main flavoring, along with things like anise, citrus peel and other herbs and spices. Akvavit is produced all over Scandinavia, where this “water of life” was first prized for its medicinal properties — and is still thought of as a digestif as well as a popular drink.

In most Scandinavian countries, akvavit is particularly popular during the holidays, but in Sweden it is also an important part of the traditional midsummer celebrations. Served as icy cold shots and paired with all manner of pickled and smoked fish (herring, of course, but also salmon, cod, crayfish and others), it makes for a bracing, intensely-flavored change of pace that you can recreate at home fairly easily.

For the appetizers, simply slice good quality, dark rye bread and spread lightly with unsalted butter. Then top with pieces of pickled herring (straight from the jar) or smoked salmon or trout (straight from the package). Garnish with the thinnest slivers of white onion you can manage and a light sprinkling of finely minced parsley. In Sweden, they have a knack for arranging these open-faced “sandwiches” much more beautifully than I can seem to accomplish — and then they’re typically eaten with a knife and fork. So try to channel your inner Martha Stewart, if you’re so inclined, to make these as pretty and perfect as possible.

The Akvavit that I’m loving is from Sweden (just to complete the theme here), but there are many more available from Denmark, and they will accomplish the very same thing with this pairing.

The O.P. Anderson Akvavit ($40, 750ml). Shows a touch of color from oak aging, along with creamy, spicy accents to the dominant caraway character. Finishes long and clean. Perfect served icy cold.