Happy Hour | Copper Gate in Ballard is the go-to spot for aquavit

Copper Gate

The holiday brings a flood of eggnog hybrids or cocktails that play on the candy cane, Santa or (insert own Christmas theme here). But to us, the true holiday drink remains aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit — which leads us to Ballard, of course.

Copper Gate, with its Viking-ship-shaped bar, features a glass icebox filled with rows of frosted, imported aquavits, all discounted during happy hour. A cousin to gin, aquavit tastes herbaceous, with notes of dill, caraway or coriander. You can try it in the light, palate-cleansing aquavit cocktail Stor Agurk, with lemon, sugar and cucumber; it's an original drink from owner/bartender Perryn Wright, who created a Scandinavian-themed cocktail menu, also discounted during happy hour.

Aquavit, often paired with food, is served here with big tapas-style plates. Swedish meatballs are popular, too. Just don't miss dill fries with curried ketchup or mussels with bacon simmered in saffron infused — what else? — aquavit.

Copper Gate, 6301 24th Ave. N.W., Seattle, is open for happy hour 5-7 p.m. daily, when aquavit and cocktails cost $5, wine and imported beer $3-$9 and all food $4-$7 (206-706-3292 or www.thecoppergate.com).

Tan Vinh, Seattle Times staff reporter