The Scandinavian spirit flavored with caraway seeds is aquavit.
Aquavit, also spelled akvavit, is a distilled spirit traditionally produced in Scandinavia. It is commonly made from grain or potatoes and then flavored with herbs and spices. Caraway is the defining botanical in many versions, although European rules also recognize dill seed as a principal flavoring. Other recipes may include fennel, anise, coriander, cardamom, or cumin.
The name comes from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning “water of life,” a phrase also related to names for whisky and fruit brandy. Aquavit has been produced in Scandinavia since at least the 15th century and remains closely connected with Nordic food and celebrations.
Serving customs vary by country. In Denmark and Sweden, aquavit is often chilled and served in small glasses, sometimes with a traditional drinking song. Norwegian aquavit is frequently matured in oak casks, which can give it a golden color and richer flavor; some bottles are aged in barrels that have traveled by sea. Gin is another botanical spirit, but its defining flavor is juniper, not caraway.