If you’re planning a visit to Norway and plan to clink glasses and proclaim ‘cheers’ or skate in Norwegian, chances are you won’t find bourbon, rum, or tequila in any of the city’s local bars or taverns. Your best bets are aquavit (called akvavit or akevitt in Norwegian), glogg or punsch.
Take a look at what constitutes aquavit and other alcoholic beverages that are an important part of Scandinavian drinking culture, often consumed during festive gatherings such as Christmas dinners and weddings.
Aquavit
Aquavit is one of the best known alcoholic beverages in Norway. Derived from potatoes and grains, the distinctive flavor of aquavit comes from herbs and spices used after the distillation process, primarily caraway, fennel, or cumin. Aquavit is often consumed during festive gatherings such as Christmas, New Years, and weddings. The drink may have a golden hue, sometimes varying from light to light brown depending on the vintage.
Mead
Mead has played an important role historically in many Scandinavian celebrations dating back to Viking times. In winter, the drink is often consumed hot along with gingerbread cookies. Most of the fermented sugar in the drink is derived from honey, which gives it the nickname “honey wine.”
Cider
In Norway, cider is popular, whether it’s hot or cold. Made primarily from apple juice, spices and herbs can also be added. In some regions, the drink may also be known as apple wine. Like American cider, Norwegian cider has a golden hue that varies from light to dark depending on the preparation process and ingredients.
Liquor
Brennevin translates to “burn wine.” Brennevin is a hard liquor distilled from potatoes and grains. Sometimes it can have added flavors. Brennevin is a popular drink throughout Scandinavia that is more like strong brandy. It has an alcohol content of 30 to 38 percent.
Punch
Introduced to Scandinavia in the 18th century, the name “punsch” derives from the Hindi word for five, which refers to the number of ingredients that make up the drink: alcohol, water, sugar, fruit, and spices. Punsch can also be seasoned with liqueur to add an exotic note, such as almonds, chocolate, and banana. It is usually served hot during the winter.
Beer
Beer production in Norway dates back more than 1,000 years. Popular Norwegian beers include Pilsner, a pale lager with a distinctive hop flavor; Bayer, a dark malt beer with a sweet taste; and stronger beers like Juleol and Bokko.
Vodka
Vikingfjord is a well-known brand of Norwegian vodka distilled from water from the Jostedalsbreen glacier. The brand has been voted best vodka by the international wine and spirits community. It is a best-seller in Norway and around the world. Vikingfjord comes unflavored, with an alcohol content of 40 percent.
Wine
Due to the cold climate of the Scandinavian region, most of the wine is imported to Norway, but the drink is no less popular. Wine made from blackberries (called kreking in Norwegian) is balanced with various herbs and spices to add a unique flavor.
Fruit beer
The fruit beers made in Norway are known all over the world. Popular brands are made from blackberries and are flavored with various spices and herbs. Other flavors include cherry, raspberry, and peach.
Glogg
Glogg is a drink made from red wine and various spices to ponder. The drink is served hot and is traditionally consumed during the colder months during Halloween and Christmas Eve celebrations. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the drink can be purchased ready-made. Glogg can be made with fruit juices or wine.