Aqua vitae (L. "water of life"), is an archaic name for a concentrated aqueous solution of ethanol.

Aqua vitae was typically prepared by distilling wine, and was sometimes known as Spirit of Wine in English-language texts. Spirit of Wine is a specific name for brandy that has been repeatedly distilled.

A local version of this name was often applied to the leading native distilled spirits of a region. Thus, it was whisky (from Gaelic uisge-beatha) in Scotland, whiskey (from Irish uisce beatha) in Ireland, eau de vie in France, and aquavit in Scandinavia. When the term is employed in England, it usually refers to French brandy.

See also

• alchemy
• aqua fortis
• aqua regia

References

Alcoholic beverages

Aqua vitae | Aqua vitae