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If half of the food and drink 10,000 Chicago Biters consume is locally produced, in a year we'll avoid the amount of CO2 produced by 1.5 mil cars.

Aquavit, or akevittt in Norway, is colloquially called "Viking Fire Water."

Boys’ Toys

The Bite:

Is all this V-Day hearts-and-flowers crap sending your favorite boy over the edge? You know exactly what he likes (well, in addition to that), so get him a big bottle o' fine booze. Lake Bluff-based North Shore Distillery produces its own aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit dominated by caraway flavors (yep, like those seeds in rye bread). As with all NSD liquors, the aquavit starts with Midwestern grains before it's infused with certified organic botanicals, avoiding the chems in typical alcohol production. We lapped up its rhubarb and ginger-infused gin last summer, so we're all over this new ultimate cold-weather sipper with hints of cumin, cardamom and cinnamon. Perfect for spicing things up before you start in on those other toys...

Wanna Try?

North Shore Aquavit Private Reserve; available at local retail chains Binny's Beverage Depot and Sam's Wine and Spirits (multiple locations). North Shore Aquavit, $27/750 mL.

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