Summer’s here, which means it’s time for late nights spent with friends while enjoying a tasteful cocktail – or two, or three. If you’re living in a city, there are tons of places to go to, from a normal terrace in the park to a fancy rooftop bar. Combined with some good vibes and a bit of music, you’re set for the night. Yet it doesn’t always have to be a city – sometimes, spending time with friends or family in the countryside can be just what you’re in need of. And those cocktails can come with you, of course.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you might already grow some cocktail ingredients yourself. Being an alcohol-free mojito-lover myself, I can tell you it’s very handy to have a big stash of mint in your garden. No more late-night panicking and rushing to the local supermarket, only to find out they’re out of mint. Of course, mint’s not the only cocktail ingredient you can grow in your garden. Strawberries, blueberries, elderflower, basil, citrus fruits… Depending on where you live, a lot is possible.
Welcome to the world’s largest open-air bar! 🍹 In collaboration with Sweden’s most prominent beverage experts we have developed creative drink recipes based on local ingredients: https://t.co/5Avw5WURtD#TheDrinkableCountry
— Visit Sweden (@visitsweden) June 15, 2021
📷 Niklas Nyman/Visit Sweden pic.twitter.com/yuYhNr82lr
World-renowned baristas
In Sweden, however, they’ve decided to handle things differently. The country has set up sixteen socially-distanced tables in different spots – going from beaches to mountains – where visitors can enjoy a tasteful cocktail. Yet it’s much more than just another open air cocktail bar. On the spot, world-famous baristas will be available to guide customers in assembling the very best cocktails. And as Sweden wants to emphasize its natural richness, those customers will have to harvest their own ingredients in the surroundings of the different bars. A comfortable outfit is therefore advisable, as you might have to dive into the forest or a field in order to find what you’re looking for.
The DIY recipes enable visitors to explore Swedish nature through world-class taste experiences
Jens Heed, program director of food and travel at Visit Sweden
“The country’s 100m acre pantry of fruit, berries, vegetables and crystal-clear spring water is open to everyone. We call it the Drinkable Country – the world’s largest open-air bar, ” explains Jens Heed. Some of the experts welcoming visitors are Rebecka Lithander of two-Michelin-star restaurant Daniel Berlin and Emil Åreng, bartender and author of the world’s best cocktail book in 2016. As we’re still living amidst a pandemic, booking is necessary if you want to participate in the experience.
