Here is a comprehensive list of Danish drinks for a fun Denmark travel experience
Although Denmark is not known for its soft drinks, it deserves a place in the industry. Brewing and distilling tasty drinks has been a part of Danish culture since ancient times.
Like other Scandinavian countries, Denmark’s alcohol comes with unique blends and flavors that are mostly sourced locally.
They are generally of premium taste and can be recognized for their merits with proper marketing.
Danish drinks also date back to the country’s founding fathers, such as mighty Viking warriors.
It is said that these warriors drew their strength from drink and revived their resolve to conquer city after city.
Whether true or not, these statements illustrate how drinks have shaped modern Danish society as we know it today.
When visiting Denmark, consider tasting the drinks below and take the opportunity to interact with the locals. It will be more interesting and meaningful.
Pale lager dominates the brewery’s production, although other types of beer are becoming more popular, including stouts, India pale ale, brown ale, and other specialty brews.
Here, as in many other countries, the number of craft beer microbreweries has increased in recent years, increasing the number of styles available.
However, the industry is still dominated by Carlsberg and Tuborg. The former has been a monopoly since its purchase of Tuborg in the 1970s.
Several regional breweries, including Fax and Ceres, merged with Royal Unibrew in 2005. Not surprisingly, Danish breweries have a large share of the domestic beer market.
Cider, mead and other fermented beverages made from apples or honey are also produced here.
There are about a dozen distilleries in Denmark, many of which are located in breweries. Whiskey (both scotch and bourbon inspired) is probably the most common product.
Gin and vodka are also produced, as well as various flavored spirits and liqueurs.
Heering Cherry Liqueur is – apart from beer – one of the country’s best-known alcoholic beverages in the export market. It is made using fermented cherry wine.
Schnapps is a traditional hard liquor. The word usually refers to a shot of hard liquor, but in Denmark it is almost always akvavit. It is distilled from grains and potatoes and flavored with herbs.
It is a staple of Danish culture, drunk at herring and potatoes and crayfish parties. Singing is also involved.
1. Incomplete
Akvavit is one of the most popular local spirits in Denmark and is made from grain and potatoes.
For hundreds of years, the Danes have been distilling alcohol and using it for various cultural ceremonies and practices, including festivals.
It has a distinct flavor with hints of spices and herbs, traditionally at least, caraway or anise.
Akvavit comes from the Latin word aqua vitae, which means “water of life”. A bottle or two can be purchased at any large grocery or store.
2. Mead
Considered one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, mead is also fundamental to Danish culture.
It is made from two main ingredients, fermented honey and water, along with spices, fruits and other flavors.
These flavors are typically added when the mead is ready to drink.
It is similar to cider with its warm character and sweet taste. It’s a popular offering at Denmark’s bars and restaurants with the country’s unique flavors.
3. Brennivin
Aquavit comes with a variety of flavors, while Brennivin speaks of a stronger brew without a hint of over-flavors. It is mainly made from grains and potatoes, which give it the characteristics and qualities of vodka.
But what’s different is that the Danes were creating it before the word vodka was even formalized.
Brennivin is popular for heavy drinkers or those who want to consume spirits. Make sure you’re with a friend when trying this out at a bar.
4. Carlsberg beer
Carlsberg beer speaks volumes for the quality of Denmark’s beer industry. It is a famous drink not only in the country but all over the world. It is a staple in local and international bars and restaurants.
Carlsberg Brewery offers a diverse set of Danish stouts and pilsners and other types of beers available. This is one of Denmark’s beers.
5. glog
For English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Gloag is known as Muld.
It is a famous drink made from wine and heated with spices and herbs like nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon.
This Danish drink dates back to ancient Rome and remains a popular choice to this day.
It is an ideal drink in cold weather; Thus, it took root in other Scandinavian countries as well. It has become a popular Danish liquor.
6. Fruit wine
Unlike other European countries such as France or Switzerland, grapes do not grow in Denmark’s cold climate.
So the Danes brought wine from other fruits such as elderberries, cherries and other small fruits that were locally abundant.
This is why Danish fruit wines come in first flavors, which are unique to the specific communities where the fruits used are found.
7. Tuborg beer
Carlsberg has owned Tuborg Brewery since the 1970s. But still, it retained its unique taste, taking a special place in the history of soft drinks.
Although it is not the most popular drink in Denmark, it has become one of the best-selling items during the Christmas season.
During this time, thousands of customers await the annual release of a special Christmas ale.
8. Punch
Do not confuse this drink with punch or punch qualities. Again, it’s punsch. It is made from neutral spirits such as fruit flavors, Brennivin, arrack and sugar, thus, it has a unique flavor combination.
Although it originated in Sweden, it is becoming popular and common in Denmark.
9. Smorgasbord Eggnog
Smorgasbord Eggnog is often associated with the popular eggnog snack because of their similarities. Finally, the drink is made from a mixture of whipped eggs, cream, sugar, and either rum or brandy.
Cinnamon or nutmeg is added to enhance the taste. It is also popularly served during Christmas. Local brewers can create a non-alcoholic drink by removing brandy or rum.
10. Microbrewed beer
Because Denmark is so close to countries like Belgium and Germany, which are famous for their brewing industry, microbreweries are growing rapidly.
More and more Danish businesses are supporting the development of new brands. That’s why almost every big store or mall has versions of products from microbreweries.
So those are just a few Danish drinks to try when visiting Denmark. Enjoy a meaningful treat and who knows, get a glimpse of the Danes’ rich brewing culture and history.