Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

What to drink in Northern Europe? Top 100 Northern European Spirits and Liqueurs

Last update: Wed Feb 19 2025
Top 100 Northern European Spirits and Liqueurs
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Northern European Spirit/Liqueur Types

01
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Swedish punsch is an arrack-based liqueur that was first introduced in the 18th century when the Swedish East India Company started importing Batavian arrack from Java. In its early days, punsch was enjoyed warm and prepared just before serving, by heating it and then adding spices and wine.


The first bottled version appeared in 1845 and was manufactured by J. Cederlunds Söner, and was soon followed by other producers. Most punsch brands are now created with a combination of arrack, alcohol, water, and spices, and are best served neat and chilled, in traditional punsch glasses, though Swedish tradition suggests that it can be enjoyed warm when paired with traditional pea soup. 
02

Liqueur

KOSKENKORVA, Finland
3.6
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Salmiakki Koskenkorva is a popular licorice-based Finnish liqueur with a thick and viscous texture. It is based on Koskenkorva Viina vodka and the salmiakki licorice extract. The drink was first introduced in the 1990s, and it quickly gained a huge following, especially among teenagers.


This dark liqueur has an intense licorice flavor reminiscent of aniseed. Although it is usually enjoyed as a shot, served neat or on the rocks, it can also work well as a cocktail ingredient. The drink is produced in Koskenkorva, and it is bottled at 32% ABV.

03
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Jaloviina is a type of Finnish cut brandy, a type of brandy that has been cut with neutral grain spirit. This Finnish version is based on French brandy and the Finnish spirit. Jaloviina comes in several grades, usually differentiated by the number of stars.


One being the lowest, and three being the highest grade. Jaloviina is typically amber-colored and has a smooth flavor with a long, warming finish. The dink was introduced in 1932, following the end of prohibition in Finland. Jaloviina can be served neat or on the rocks, but it could also work well in mixed drinks. 
04

Spirit

DENMARK and  2 more regions
3.0
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Akvavit is a Scandinavian spirit that is usually distilled from grains or potatoes. After distillation, it is infused with various botanicals, though the most common are caraway and dill. Other options may include fennel, coriander, cloves, or cumin.


The drink can vary in color, and its flavor profile can greatly differ depending on the age and the base ingredients. Danish and Swedish akvavit is typically clear and colorless, while the Norwegian version is sometimes aged in sherry casks, allowing it to attain golden-like color and slightly stronger flavor. 
THE BEST Akvavit Spirits
1 Lysholm Linie Double Cask Port
Linie Aquavit
Lysholm Linie Double Cask Port

5.0

Rate It

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2019, 2020, 2023

2 Løiten Linie Aquavit
Linie Aquavit
Løiten Linie Aquavit

5.0

Rate It

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

3 Bareksten Botanical Aquavit
Oss Craft Distillery
Bareksten Botanical Aquavit

5.0

Rate It

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2019

4 Kuriosa Kollektion American Brandy Cask Aquavit
Norden Spirits Distilling Co.
Kuriosa Kollektion American Brandy Cask Aquavit

5.0

Rate It

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2023

5 Aquavit
Lucky Sign Spirits
Aquavit

5.0

Rate It

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024

05

Spirit

KOSKENKORVA, Finland
2.9
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Koskenkorva is a clear Finnish spirit that is distilled from a combination of locally grown barley and unfiltered spring water. Often dubbed as vodka, the drink is produced with continuous distillation, which involves highly developed producing techniques that utilize 100% of the grain—none of it goes to waste.


The original version of this high-quality spirit is smooth, pure, neutral, and bright. Apart from its basic version, it also comes in several specialty varieties, including aged and flavored spirits. The drink is produced in Koskenkorva village, and the company which produces it operates in an entirely sustainable manner that focuses on the circular economy. 
06
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Brennivín is distilled from potato mash, and it is traditionally flavored with various herbs and spices, including caraway seeds, cumin, and angelica. Although the name Brennivín translates to burning wine, this strong spirit was nicknamed Svarti Dauði, meaning Black Death, presumably because the bottle once had a label depicting a black skull, while some claim the nickname originated due to the distinctive, sharp taste of the drink.


This Icelandic staple is best enjoyed well-chilled, served in a shot glass and paired with hákarl - cured shark flesh.

07
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

This amber Finnish liqueur is produced with cloudberries—wild orange berries found in the in the Northern hemisphere—that are macerated in a neutral spirit, while the final blend is then enriched with honey and spices such as cinnamon or cloves. Lakka is typically bittersweet and aromatic, with subtle berry notes, and an alcohol content that may vary depending on the label.


It is usually enjoyed neat, but it is also a great addition to various cocktails. The most popular brands include Chymos and Lapponia.

08

Berry Liqueur

COPENHAGEN, Denmark
n/a
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list
MAIN INGREDIENTS

Cherry Heering is one of the most popular cherry liqueurs in the world. Created in 1818 by Peter F. Heering, it is also one of the first cherry liqueurs to appear on the market. The liqueur is made with Stevens cherries that are lightly crushed and then macerated in a neutral grain spirit, which is additionally flavored with botanicals.


The liqueur has an appealing garnet color, while the palate is dominated by cherry jam flavors, along with hints of spices and subtle tartness. The cherries are macerated with the stones, which imparts an almond-like note. This prized liqueur is still made with an old family recipe and is still produced in Copenhagen. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Northern European Spirit/Liqueur Producers

01

Spirit

HÄRNÖSAND, Sweden
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Hernö Gin Distillery is Sweden's first dedicated gin distillery, located in Dala, near Härnösand. Founded in 2011 by Jon Hillgren, it is renowned for its organic and sustainably crafted gins. Using traditional copper pot stills, Hernö combines high-quality botanicals like juniper, coriander, lemon peel, lingonberry, and birch leaves.


Their range includes award-winning expressions such as Hernö Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, Navy Strength Gin, and Juniper Cask Gin. The distillery has earned numerous global accolades, including titles for the world's best gin. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and workshops on cocktail-making and gin crafting. 
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

02

Spirit

BLOMSTERDALEN, Norway
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Oss Craft Distillery is a Norwegian distillery renowned for its high-quality craft spirits, blending traditional methods with modern innovation. Located in Blomsterdalen, near Bergen, it draws inspiration from Norway’s natural landscapes and folklore.


Its flagship product, Bareksten Botanical Gin, features over 20 botanicals, capturing the essence of Nordic forests with flavors like juniper, elderflower, and blueberries. Founded by Stig Bareksten, the distillery emphasizes authenticity and craftsmanship in every bottle. 
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2019

The Gin Masters - Gold

2022

03

Spirit

LØGSTØR, Northern Europe
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Nykur Vodka is a premium organic vodka that harmoniously blends superior organic grains from Northern Italy with pristine volcanic mountain water sourced from the depths of the Kirvi range in the Faroe Islands. The brand draws inspiration from the Nykur, a mythical creature from Faroese folklore, often depicted as a shimmering grey horse emerging from lakes, symbolizing allure and mystery.


This cultural reference underscores Nykur Vodka's commitment to honoring heritage while delivering a product of exceptional purity and quality. The vodka is crafted using EU-organic certified ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. 
AWARDS

SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2021

The Luxury Masters - Gold

2023

BEST Nykur Spirits Spirits
04
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding

2020

05

Spirit

STOCKHOLM, Sweden
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024, 2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Vodka Gold Trophy

2023

BEST Virtuous Spirits
06

Spirit

SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2022

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2022

World's Best Matured Gin - Winner

2022

BEST Lydén Distillery Spirits
07

Spirit

GRIMSTAD, Norway
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Det Norske Brenneri, established in 2011, is one of Norway's leading producers of alcoholic beverages, based in Grimstad, in the Agder region. As the first private distillery to receive a license to produce spirits following the abolition of the state monopoly in 2005, the distillery is dedicated to preserving Norwegian artisanal traditions, producing in small batches to ensure the highest quality of its products.


Their range includes a variety of beverages, such as aquavit, gin, and whisky. Among their most renowned products is "Arvesølvet Aquavit," which features hand-picked berries and herbs from the Norwegian wilderness. Det Norske Brenneri has won numerous international awards for its products, underscoring their commitment to quality and authenticity. 
AWARDS

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2022

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy

2021

European Spirits Challenge - Gold

2023

08

Spirit

STRAUMGJERDE, Norway
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Brennevinsgrova is a Norwegian distillery located in a valley on the outskirts of Sykkylven, surrounded by the Sunnmørsalpene mountains. It was founded by Harald Strømmegjerde in 2019 on his family farm, inspired by the local environment and traditions.


The distillery produces gin, aquavit, and whiskey, using exclusively local ingredients. Raspberries from Valldal, sugar kelp from Herøy, and glacial water contribute to the unique flavor of their beverages, offering an authentic taste of Sunnmøre.


Brennevinsgrova has received numerous awards for the quality of its products, including recognition for the best gin in Norway. 
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2024, 2022, 2021

European Spirits Challenge - Gold

2023

BEST Brennevinsgrova Spirits
09

Spirit

NORWAY, Northern Europe
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2022

The Gin Masters - Gold

2022

Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold

2022, 2021

10

Spirit

HELSINKI, Finland
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold

2023

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2022, 2020

11
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
12
Spirit
FALKENBERG, Sweden
5.0
13
Liqueur
DENMARK, Northern Europe
5.0
14
Spirit
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
5.0
15
Spirit
VÄSTERNORRLAND COUNTY, Sweden
5.0
16
17
Spirit
GÄVLEBORG COUNTY, Sweden
5.0
18
19
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
20
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
21
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
22
23
Spirit
STOCKHOLM, Sweden
5.0
24
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
5.0
25
Spirit
REYKJAVÍK, Iceland
5.0
26
Spirit
CAPITAL REGION, Iceland
5.0
27
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
5.0
28
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
29
Spirit
FINLAND, Northern Europe
5.0
30
31
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
5.0
32
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
33
34
Spirit
HAGAN, Norway
4.9
35
Spirit
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
4.9
36
Spirit
KOSKENKORVA, Finland
4.9
37
Spirit
SKÅNE COUNTY, Sweden
4.9
38
Spirit
LEJRE, Denmark
4.9
39
Spirit
RAISIO, Finland
4.9
40
Spirit
BORGARNES, Iceland
4.9
41
Spirit
OSTROBOTHNIA, Finland
4.9
42
Spirit
HELSINKI, Finland
4.9
43
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.9
44
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.9
45
Spirit/Liqueur
TURKU, Finland
4.9
46
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.8
47
Spirit
SUNDSVALL, Sweden
4.8
48
49
50
Spirit
OSLO, Norway
4.8
51
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
4.8
52
Spirit
GOTHENBURG, Sweden
4.8
53
54
Spirit
ICELAND, Northern Europe
4.8
55
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.8
56
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.8
57
Spirit
HELSINKI, Finland
4.8
58
59
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.8
60
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
4.8
61
62
Spirit
NORTH KARELIA, Finland
4.8
63
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
4.8
64
Spirit
REYKJAVÍK, Iceland
4.8
65
66
Spirit
HELSINKI, Finland
4.8
67
Liqueur
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.8
68
69
Spirit
FINLAND, Northern Europe
4.8
70
Spirit
LAPPEENRANTA, Finland
4.8
71
Spirit
DENMARK, Northern Europe
4.8
72
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
4.8
73
74
Spirit
HELSINKI, Finland
4.8
75
Spirit
KIRKE SÅBY, Northern Europe
4.8
76
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
4.8
77
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
4.8
78
79
Liqueur
KOSKENKORVA, Finland
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Northern European Spirits and Liqueurs

01
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Linie Double Cask Port is created more than 200 years after the original and what differentiates it from its predecessor, is its second maturation process. After completing the traditional maturation for 4 months at sea and 12 months in storage, the aquavit is aged for another 12 months in carefully selected Port casks.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023, 2020, 2019

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy

2017

02
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Løiten Linie Aquavit is a renowned Norwegian spirit with a rich heritage, known for its distinctive flavor and traditional production process. Like other Linie Aquavits, Løiten Linie undergoes a unique maturation process where the spirit is aged in oak barrels that are shipped across the equator twice.


This journey, which allows the barrels to experience temperature changes and motion, imparts a depth of flavor and complexity to the spirit. The aquavit is flavored with a blend of spices, including caraway, fennel, and dill, giving it a balanced, smooth taste. 
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

03
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Nykur Vodka is a premium organic vodka that harmoniously blends superior organic grains from Northern Italy with pristine volcanic mountain water sourced from the depths of the Kirvi range in the Faroe Islands. The brand draws inspiration from the Nykur, a mythical creature from Faroese folklore, often depicted as a shimmering grey horse emerging from lakes, symbolizing allure and mystery.


This cultural reference underscores Nykur Vodka's commitment to honoring heritage while delivering a product of exceptional purity and quality. The vodka is crafted using EU-organic certified ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. 
AWARDS

SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2021

The Luxury Masters - Gold

2023

04

Spirit

STOCKHOLM, Sweden
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024, 2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Vodka Gold Trophy

2023

05
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Hernö Juniper Cask Gin, the first gin in the world matured on juniper wood casks, is made from the same distilled gin as Hernö Dry Gin, diluted to 47% vol. and gently matured for 30 days in juniper wood casks. The maturity gives more intense juniper notes finished with a long harmonious hint of citrus peel.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2019

The Gin Masters - Master

2022

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2021

06
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Bareksten Botanical Aquavit is made from a potato-based spirit flavoured with classic aquavit botanicals such as cumin, fennel and aniseed. It is then rested for 24 months in ex-sherry Oloroso casks. The traditional drink aquavit is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning water of life.


The first written mention of it in Norway dates back to 1531. The drink was used as a panacea for indigestion and was mainly served at Scandinavian celebrations and feasts.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2019

London Spirits Competition - Gold

2024

07
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Lyng Norwegian Botanical Gin is a premium Norwegian gin produced by Det Norske Brenneri. Inspired by the resilient heather plant, known as "lyng" in Norwegian, this gin captures the essence of Norway's wild nature. It is crafted using 33 herbs, spices, and flowers, including heather blossom, coltsfoot, elderflower, birch leaves, roseroot, and angelica, all harvested from Norwegian mountains and forests.


Fresh Norwegian juniper berries also play a central role in its flavor profile.
AWARDS

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2022

European Spirits Challenge - Gold

2023

08
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Bareksten Double Gin is a unique distillate that stands out for its quality and exclusive recipe. This gin is produced in Norway and is made through an artisanal distillation process using only the freshest and most natural ingredients. The blend of ingredients that make up this gin is perfectly balanced and consists of herbs, spices, flowers and citrus fruits.


Each component is carefully chosen and carefully crafted to ensure a perfect end result.
AWARDS

The Gin Masters - Master

2022

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2021

09

Spirit

SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2022

World's Best London Dry Gin - Winner

2021

10
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2022

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Spirit
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
5.0
21
22
23
Spirit
VÄSTERNORRLAND COUNTY, Sweden
5.0
24
Spirit
VÄSTERNORRLAND COUNTY, Sweden
5.0
25
26
27
28
Spirit
GÄVLEBORG COUNTY, Sweden
5.0
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
38
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
5.0
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Spirit
STRAUMGJERDE, Norway
5.0
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
Spirit
SKÅNE COUNTY, Sweden
4.9
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
Spirit
RINGKØBING-SKJERN MUNICIPALITY, Northern Europe
4.8
84
85
Spirit
SKÅNE COUNTY, Sweden
4.8
86
Spirit
SWEDEN, Northern Europe
4.8
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100

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. 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.

Show Map
Northern European Spirits and Liqueurs