Cocktail Recipes with Kalevala Distillery

Kalevala gin

Kalevala Distillery is a small family-owned distillery based in Finnish-Karelia. The distillery produces a selection of gins, rum and vodka. They are certified organic, meaning they only use organically grown ingredients, which are free from any additives or harmful chemicals. The name of the distillery is based on the Finnish national epic, The Kalevala, a significant […]

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Kalevala – A Distillery True to Its Roots

It is easy for me to relate to this distillery. They are based in Finnish-Karelia, where I went to university, but they also have links to Russian parts of Karelia, where my grandad grew up. The name of the distillery is based on the Finnish national epic, The Kalevala, a significant work of Finnish literature. […]

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6 Drinks Vodka Has Hijacked From Gin… and We Love Them!

There are over 700 gin-based cocktail recipes, so it is appropriate they share some recipes with other spirits too! Most of the recipes below are known better as being made with gin, but they are just as delicious or even better when mixed with vodka (I can almost hear all the gin lovers gasp…).  The […]

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SISU – A Nordic-inspired rooftop bar in the centre of London

Sisu is the new cocktail hotspot located on a rooftop on bustling Oxford Street. However, when you make it all the way to the top, you’ll find an instant Nordic calm – at least until all the queues start. There is a lot of wood and plants and that Scandinavian simplicity that makes you feel […]

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New Finnish Vodka: Korpimaan Kyynel

Korpimaan Kyynel is a new vodka, or viina as we call it, made from 100% Finnish rye and barley. The idea for this vodka came from the moonshining traditions in the Finnish wilderness. Around 65% of Finland’s land is covered in forests, making it an exceptional place to hide and make moonshine. Prohibition in Finland […]

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Napue Gin – undoubtedly one of the World’s Best Gins

When it comes to Finnish products I can easily be biased, but in this case, whether you are a Finn or not, Napue Gin really is exceptional! If you haven’t tried it already, you are missing out on something special. Fear not, help is here. Simply enter the competition below and you may win a […]

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Tips for Drinking Around the World

Sharing a few drinks is a great way to get to know people as it can help to break down the language barriers or just calm the nerves when you first set foot in a new country. However, as easily as you can make friends, you can make enemies when it comes to drinking etiquette […]

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Galliano-Blueberry Shooter You’ll Love!

Galliano-Blueberry shooter, also known as Köllikki… Apart from any vodka-based shot, this delicious Galliano-based shooter is one of the most popular in Finland. Everywhere you go, people absolutely love it. In a large shot glass, layer Galliano, blueberry coulis (or blueberry soup is better  if you can get your hands on it) and whipped cream. Enjoy! […]

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Steam Hellsinki

My cousin advised me to visit this bar because, in her opinion, it was very ‘me’. Well, I can see why Finland’s first steampunk-themed bar would attract the likes of myself – slightly chaotic deco, bar shaped like a zeppelin, smoke, cocktails, Gin and even more Gin. From the outside, the venue looks dull and […]

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