Finland is a country full of heavy drinkers because alcoholic beverages in Finland are some of the most unique in the world. Here are ten of the most popular:
Lacquer
Laka, which means “blueberry” in Finnish, is produced by soaking blackberries in alcohol for two to six months. This allows the alcohol to develop a mature flavor whose distinct sweetness and aromas cannot be matched. The alcohol content of Lakka may differ depending on the producer, with a specific variety of Lakka, the Lapponia Cloudberry Liqueur / Lakka having an alcohol content of 21%.
Sima (traditional)
Sima, now a mead-like frothy drink, was originally produced like any other mead. Today, it is fermented with various types of sugars and mixed with lemon, raisins, and dry yeast and raisins during the different stages of the fermentation process. Typically, the flesh and peel of lemons are used to flavor this Finnish drink during the first fermentation, with raisins added during the second fermentation process to dilute the sugar content of this alcoholic beverage.
Other non-traditional forms of Sima
A cheaper and more commercial form of Sima is often made with apple wine, grape juice, and carbonated water. And while it’s still a tasty blend, it’s not a substitute for traditional Sima flavors.
Finland Vodka
Produced from six-row barley, this is one of the most popular and well-known alcoholic beverages in Finland, at least among tourists and foreigners. With about 80% alcohol content, Finlandia Vodka has a dry taste and lacks the sweetness of several of the drinks on this list, such as Laka, Sima, and Koskenkorva.
Koskenkorva booze
Often known simply as Koskenkorva or Kossu, this vodka-like vine is the most popular of light spirits in Finland. With a taste and alcohol content similar to Finland vodka, Koskenkorva Viina is noticeably sweeter. Named after a small Finnish town, the word “Koskenkorva” itself is a symbol of Finnish culture.
Salmiakki Koskenkorva (Salmari)
Salmari is a vodka cocktail, premixed with Koskenkorva Viina (see above) and Turkish pepper salty liquorice. Among Finnish locals and tourists, this is perhaps the most popular alcoholic beverage in Finland, especially among partygoers in discos and pubs.
Akvavit
Distilled from grain or potatoes, Akvavit is flavored with various herbs and spices, including fennel, caraway seeds, coriander, anise, and dill. Popular since the 16th century, it is still aged in oak barrels and is often paired with smoked fish, lutefisk, pickled herring, and other popular Scandinavian dishes.
Cider
Fermented apple or pear juice is used to make this popular Finnish drink. Ciders can be sweet or dry with great color variations depending on the amount of apple or pear pulp removed during the fermentation process. Warm, sparkling cider is the most popular type of cider in Finland and is often served during winter festivals and parties.
Glogg
Another popular winter drink is Glogg. The wine is mixed with juice, spices and fruit, heated and served hot in large mugs.
Finnish beers
Beyond spirits and other strong beverages, Finland produces some of the best beers in the world. Koff and Karhu, both produced by Sinevrychoff, are two of the most popular. There are a variety of varieties of Koff, all with different alcoholic contents from Koff I with an alcohol content of 2.5% to Koff IVB with an alcohol content of 7.5%. Another great brewery in Finland is Hartwall.
