Iceland is known for cold weather conditions for much of the year. One of the best ways Icelanders have found to warm those internal bones is with alcohol. When planning a trip to any country, it is always good to know what the drinks are before ordering one at your local bar or pub. Here are 10 alcoholic drinks in Iceland that you can enjoy in the land of Leif Ericson.
Spirits
Brennivín is a sugar-free brandy made from mashed potatoes and seasoned with caraway, cumin and angelica. Brennivín has a very different taste and usually has 80 proofs.
Reyka Vodka
Many would claim that this Icelandic vodka is the best in the world. The water used to make Reyka comes from a 4,000-year-old lava field. You’ll savor mild heat with just a hint of vanilla flavor. This vodka is made in one of the coldest places on Earth.
Moss brandy from Fjallagrasa
Yes, this drink is actually made from sea moss that is soaked in an alcohol solution. No artificial ingredients are added. This drink has been used medicinally for years. If you have a cough from the cold conditions in Iceland, this is one of the alcoholic drinks in Iceland that will help you.
Viking gold
Until the late 1980s, beer was illegal in Iceland. Things have changed and Viking Gold beer is a favorite with both locals and tourists. It is a strong lager beer and has won many awards.
Beer imitation
Due to the prohibition of beer for so many years, Icelanders came up with a plan; They drank the legal, low-alcohol Pilsner beer and mixed vodka with it. The name of the drink is bjórlíki and it is still preferred in the Icelandic countryside.
Opal
This is a very popular drink in Iceland because there is a candy with the same taste as alcohol. When the kids skip the candy stage, they go to the Opal. It is said to taste like Vick’s cough drops, which may not be palatable to some.
Tops
Topas is a liqueur made with many herbs and sweet licorice. A very sweet and strong drink that also has a cough syrup-like taste. It is quite popular
Egils Strong
Icelanders love beer. It was illegal for so many years that once it was made legal, it became a hit. This version from the Egils brewery is very strong at 6.2 percent alcohol. It has a very bitter taste but it is loved.
Egils Gold Beer
This Egils beer is also very popular. It is a much lighter beer and contains 5 percent alcohol. It has a sweet taste and is a favorite among many in the cold regions of Iceland.
Ginebra Ísafold
Some skip the schnapps and vodka and go straight to the gin. Ísafold Gin is a slightly dry gin with a mild flavor that facilitates the descent.
Tips for drinking in Iceland
As you can see, drinking alcohol is a favorite pastime in the cold regions of Iceland. When you arrive, the best alcohol purchases are in the duty-free shop, however, the best atmosphere is in the bars where the locals are. Just remember, have fun, but drink responsibly.