What’s So Great About Akevitt, Glogg, and Punsch?

If you are planning a visit to Norway, and plan to clink glasses and proclaim “cheers,” or skal in Norwegian, chances are good that you might not find bourbon, rum, or tequila at any of the local bars or taverns in town. Your best bets are aquavit (called akvavit or akevitt in Norwegian), glogg, or punsch.

Discover the importance of aquavit and other alcoholic drinks that are integral to Scandinavian drinking culture, often enjoyed during festive gatherings such as Christmas dinners and weddings.

Aquavit

Aquavit is one of the most well-known alcoholic beverages in Norway. Derived from potatoes and grain, the distinct flavor of aquavit comes from herbs and spices utilized after the distillation process, mainly caraway, fennel, or cumin. Consequently, aquavit is often consumed during festive gatherings such as Christmas, New Year’s, and weddings. The beverage can have a golden hue, sometimes varying from clear to light brown depending on the vintage.

Mead (mjød)

Mead has played an important part historically in many Scandinavian celebrations dating back to Viking times. In winter, the drink is often consumed hot alongside ginger biscuits. A majority of the drink’s fermented sugar is derived from honey, giving it the popular nickname “honey wine.”

Cider

In Norway, cider is popular whether served chilled or hot. Made primarily from apple juice, spices, and herbs can also be added. In some regions, the beverage may also be referred to as apple wine. Much like American cider, Norwegian cider has a golden hue varying from light to dark depending on the preparation process and ingredients.

Brennevin

Brennevin translates to mean “burn-wine.” This strong liquor is distilled from potatoes and grains. It can sometimes feature added flavors, resembling a robust brandy with an alcohol content of 30 to 38 percent, making it a popular drink throughout Scandinavia.

Punsch

Introduced to Scandinavia in the 18th century, the name “punsch” derives from the Hindi word for five, referring to the number of ingredients that constitute the beverage: alcohol, water, sugar, fruit, and spices. Punsch can also be flavored using liqueur to introduce an exotic note, such as almond, chocolate, and banana. It is usually served hot during winter, adding warmth and festive cheer.

Beer

Beer production in Norway boasts a rich history spanning over a thousand years. Popular Norwegian beers include Pilsner, a pale golden lager with a distinct hop flavor; Bayer, a dark malt lager with a sweet profile; and stronger lagers like Juleol and Bokko. Norwegian beers are celebrated for their unique flavors.

Vodka

Vikingfjord is a renowned brand of Norwegian vodka distilled using water from the Jostedalsbreen glacier. This brand has earned accolades as the best vodka by the international wine and spirit community and is a best-seller in Norway and globally. Vikingfjord is unflavored and contains an alcohol content of 40 percent.

Wine

Due to the cold climate of the Scandinavian region, most wine is imported into Norway, yet the beverage remains popular. Wine made from blackberries (called kreking in Norwegian) is often blended with various herbs and spices to create a unique flavor, showcasing the region’s resourcefulness.

Fruit Beer

Fruit beers brewed in Norway are well-known worldwide. Popular varieties are made with blackberries and are often flavored with various spices and herbs. Other delightful flavors include cherry, raspberry, and peach, making them a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Glogg

Glogg is a heartwarming beverage made from red wine combined with various mulling spices. The drink is served hot and is traditionally consumed during colder months around Halloween and Christmas Eve celebrations. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of glogg can be conveniently purchased ready-made or prepared at home using either fruit juices or wine.