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Top 4 Northern European Alcoholic Mixed Drinks

Last updated on June 16, 2026
01

Glögg

3.6 ·

Glögg is a favorite winter drink in Scandinavia. In its basic form, this version of mulled wine combines red wine, sugar, and various spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and orange zest. Typically served warm, glögg also often includes a splash of distilled spirit such as vodka, brandy, sherry, port, or akvavit. Alcohol-free variations also exist, while the red wine base is sometimes replaced with white wine, fruit juices, or cider. Although it was initially associated with higher social classes and nobility, in the 1900s, it became a more common drink. In Sweden and Finland (glögi), it also includes raisins and almonds, which are sometimes strained and served on the side. Danish version, known as gløgg, is usually paired with æbleskiver pancakes. The drink is mainly enjoyed in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

02

Karsk

2.3 ·

Karsk is an aromatic Norwegian cocktail that is traditionally served hot. It is made with a combination of coffee and moonshine. To prepare it, a small coin is traditionally placed on the bottom of the cup, which is then filled with strong, hot coffee until the coin is completely covered. The moonshine is then added to the cup until the coin resurfaces. There is also a variation on Karsk made with vodka instead of moonshine. The name of this cocktail is derived from the adjective karsks, which means vigorous in Old Norse. Nowadays, Karsk is also popular in bigger cities, although it is still more popular in rural areas of the country.

03

Copenhagen Cocktail

n/a ·

Copenhagen cocktail combines Dutch genever (jenever) and Cherry Heering, the legendary cherry liqueur from Copenhagen. It also includes lime juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The ingredients are poured into a shaker filled with ice. They are shaken until chilled, and the mix is then strained into a chilled glass. The story behind the cocktail claims that it was invented at 1105, a bar owned by Gromit Eduardsen. It was a winning cocktail listed for a contest sponsored by Cherry Heering. The competition was meant to celebrate Copenhagen and its history in distillation and spirits. This cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe glass and comes garnished with orange zest.

04

Lumumba

n/a ·

Lumumba is a cocktail made with a combination of cocoa or chocolate milk and a shot of brandy or rum, sometimes with the addition of cream. In order to prepare it, all ingredients should simply be combined, preferably in a glass mug. The drink can be served hot or cold, depending on personal preferences. It is named after the Congolese politician named Patrice Lumumba. Although Lumumba is most often associated with Denmark, it is also very popular in Germany, Netherlands, and the Congo.

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About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 4 Northern European Alcoholic Mixed Drinks” list until June 16, 2026, 105 ratings were recorded, of which 89 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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