Ingredients

a 750-ml. bottle of aquavit, such as O.P. Anderson, Linie, or Aalborg (available at fine liquor stores)

　　flowers such as roses or tulips if desired

　　distilled water or springwater

　　

Step 1

Open fully the top of a cleaned half-gallon milk carton to extend the length of the carton, wrap the outside and bottom of the carton with foil, and put the aquavit in the carton close to one side, leaving as much space as possible for the flowers. Cut the flower stems to various lengths to fit the space, fill the carton with the distilled water to within 1/2 inch of the top, and arrange the flowers carefully in the water, using the bottle to wedge them if they begin to float. Transfer the carton to the freezer, spoon in enough of the water to reach the top of the carton, and freeze the aquavit overnight. The aquavit may be frozen 1 week in advance.

　　

Step 2

Remove the foil and let the aquavit stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Peel off the carton and put the aquavit on a napkin-covered surface. (The aquavit does not freeze but becomes ice-cold and syrupy.)