Refreshing Finnish Sima: Traditional Lemon Fermented Drink
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Ingredients
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3 liters Water
(Use filtered or spring water for best taste)
-
200 grams White granulated sugar
(Essential for fermentation and sweetness)
-
2 tbsp Honey
(Fresh high-quality honey preferred)
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2 medium Lemons
(Unwaxed lemons, cut into slices)
-
30 grams Raisins
(Used for initiating fermentation)
-
1.5 tsp Active dry yeast
(Instant yeast works too)
(Use filtered or spring water for best taste)
(Essential for fermentation and sweetness)
(Fresh high-quality honey preferred)
(Unwaxed lemons, cut into slices)
(Used for initiating fermentation)
(Instant yeast works too)
Nutrition
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1 glass (250 ml)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Calcium: 15 mg
- Iron: 0.1 mg
Instructions
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1 - Prepare Sugar Solution:
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil, dissolve sugar completely, then add honey and stir well. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
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2 - Combine Ingredients:
In a large ceramic or glass container, mix the cooled sugar-honey water with remaining 2 liters of cold water. Add sliced lemons, raisins, and active dry yeast.
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3 - Ferment:
Cover container with a clean cloth or loose lid. Let ferment at room temperature (20-22°C) for 3 to 5 hours until bubbles or foam form on the surface and fermentation activity is noticeable.
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4 - Bottle and Refrigerate:
Strain liquid into clean bottles, leaving raisins and lemon slices out. Seal bottles tightly and place in the refrigerator to chill and slow fermentation.
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5 - Serve:
Serve chilled, gently opening bottles to release carbonation. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice if desired.
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil, dissolve sugar completely, then add honey and stir well. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
In a large ceramic or glass container, mix the cooled sugar-honey water with remaining 2 liters of cold water. Add sliced lemons, raisins, and active dry yeast.
Cover container with a clean cloth or loose lid. Let ferment at room temperature (20-22°C) for 3 to 5 hours until bubbles or foam form on the surface and fermentation activity is noticeable.
Strain liquid into clean bottles, leaving raisins and lemon slices out. Seal bottles tightly and place in the refrigerator to chill and slow fermentation.
Serve chilled, gently opening bottles to release carbonation. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice if desired.
More About: Refreshing Finnish Sima: Traditional Lemon Fermented Drink
About Sima
Sima is a traditional Finnish lightly fermented lemonade, most commonly enjoyed during Vappu, the Finnish May Day celebration. It combines simple ingredients—water, sugar, honey, lemons, raisins, and yeast—to create a mildly alcoholic, effervescent beverage that's both refreshing and flavorful.
Cultural Significance
This drink holds cultural significance as a part of Finnish spring festivities, emblematic of the renewal and cheerfulness of the season. Its relatively low alcohol content has made it popular among all ages.
Preparation Tips
- Use fresh, unwaxed lemons for authentic flavor.
- Maintaining a clean fermentation environment prevents spoilage.
- Monitor fermentation carefully: the drink is ready with a few bubbles but avoid overly long fermentation to prevent off flavors.
Unique Aspects
Unlike many commercial lemonades, sima’s light fermentation imparts subtle effervescence and floral nuances from honey that distinguish it from ordinary soft drinks.
Notes
- Keep the bottles refrigerated once fermentation begins to slow down the process.
- Always loosen the bottle cap gently when opening to avoid a sudden fizz explosion.
- If you desire a non-alcoholic beverage, shorten fermentation time.
I personally enjoy sima as a taste of Finnish hospitality and festive joy—offering a link between simple ingredients and rich tradition in an effervescent sip.
