15 Essential Finnish drinks - Drink like a Finn and be happy!

Finns are serious about the drinks. Alcohol and also non-alcoholic drinks are expensive, so most often "this round is on me" type of drinking does not happen in Finnish bars - everybody buys their own drinks normally.

What Finns drink?

There are many traditional Finnish drinks. Some are home-made and some can be bought. And sure they area all very tasty! Sure you won't see much wine on the list, as grapes don't grow in Finland.. but we have many other great drinks!

The 15 essential Finnish drinks!

When you have tasted all of these you understand Finnishness even better!

1 Coffee 

Black, with sugar, with milk? Well, in large quantities for sure! Finns consume more coffee per capita than anywhere else in the world (about 12 kg/year)  Finns typically prefer light-roasted coffee and drip coffee is most popular. Some still drink traditional Finnish pot coffee (see how to make in my blog: Traditional Finnish coffee)

2 Gin long drink 

Also known as lonkero, is a refreshing alcoholic beverage traditionally made by mixing gin with grapefruit soda. It was originally created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics to be able to serve big crowds fast and has since become a popular drink in Finland. Modern variations include different fruit flavors and even non-alcoholic versions. Lonkero is known for its crisp, slightly bitter taste and easy drinkability (haha!). 5,5% alcohol.

3 Sima 

Vappusima is a traditional Finnish mead-like drink enjoyed during May Day (Vappu). Made from water, sugar, lemons, and yeast, it is lightly fermented, mildly sweet, and slightly sparkling. Traditionally brewed at home, it has a low alcohol content and is often served with raisins, which rise to the surface when ready. Kids drink this too, very low alcohol content. 

4 Glögi

Wonderfully comforting and cozy warm drink for Christmas time - not the same as mulled wine. Made from red wine and/or fruit juices with vodka (or without for non-alcoholic option), it's spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, and often sweetened with sugar. It’s served hot, usually with raisins and almonds added for extra flavor. Buy ready-made in Finland around Christmas!

5 Black currant and red currant juice (or my favorite, mixed!)

This juice concentrate is made at home with Mehu-Maija, a Finnish steam juicer. It has three stacked pots: the bottom heats water to create steam, the top holds the fruit, and the middle collects the juice, which drains through a hose. Steam breaks down the fruit, releasing juice for easy bottling. 2,2 lb fresh berries + 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar makes about 4 cups of juice concentrate. You drink it with mixing e.g 1/6 juice and 5/6 water. Also available in Finnish grocery stores.

6 Milk

Finns drink milk also with lunch and dinner - also adults. The milk shelf has a really wide selection of milks from traditional whole milk to skimmed but also lactose free.

7 Piimä - Buttermilk 

Piimä is a traditional Finnish fermented dairy drink, similar to kefir and buttermilk. It has a tangy, slightly sour taste and a thick, creamy texture. Piimä is often enjoyed with meals or used in baking, and is valued for its probiotic content. It’s a staple in many Finnish households.

8 Pommac 

We say this is kids sparkling wine! Over 100 years old recipe of bubbly soda uses a mix of over 25 fruits and berries natural juices, fermented in oat barrels and was marketed in the 1920's as a great option for alcohol, during prohibition law when alcohol was banned.

9 Ananas Jaffa and Original Jaffa 

These beat Fanta any day with their natural juice flavor. These are what I always buy when visiting Finland. Also traditionally helping stomach ache kids.

10 Black currant leaf wine 

A unique traditional beverage made by fermenting only the leaves of the black currant plant, rather than the berries. It has a delicate, aromatic flavor with herbal and slightly citrusy notes. This light and refreshing wine is a lesser-known specialty, often homemade, and appreciated for its subtle complexity and natural taste.

11 Salmiakkikossu 

A mix of Koskenkorva vodka and salmiakki - a taste so unique you will not forget it. Most Finns love it. Strong alcohol (well there's vodka)

12 Tervashotti 

A mix of vodka and tar candy. Strong and sweet tar makes this very pleasant experience. Strong alcohol (well there's vodka)

13 Sahti

A traditional Finnish farmhouse beer made from malted barley, rye, and juniper branches. It has a cloudy appearance, a sweet, malty flavor, and low carbonation. Traditionally brewed without hops, sahti gets its unique taste from juniper and wild fermentation. It remains a specialty drink, often enjoyed at festivals and rural gatherings.

14 Kotikalja 

Home beer - there is also a quick version of this (only takes a few days).  A traditional Finnish homemade soft drink, typically made from malt, sugar, and yeast. It has a mildly sweet, slightly fermented taste and a low alcohol content, usually less than 1%.

15 Water

When visiting Finland, don't forget to enjoy the most pure tap water in the world - it's unique and wonderful - Finnish tap water isbetter than any bottled fancy waters. I just wonder why don't they export this like Evian!

 

How to make sima at home - it's easy and delicious!

See my video on making Sima: