Sima - Finnish honey (Sima)
10 servings
15 minutes
Sima is a traditional Finnish drink that has delighted the residents of this northern country for centuries. This honey-lemon elixir, slightly sparkling and refreshing, was originally part of spring celebrations, especially noted on Labor Day (Vappu). The taste of Sima combines the soft sweetness of honey, the tartness of lemons, and a light fermentation that gives the drink its sparkle. The uniqueness of this recipe lies in its simplicity and naturalness: just a few ingredients create a rich flavor, while the fermentation process makes it slightly alcoholic. Traditionally served chilled and garnished with floating raisins symbolizing the drink's readiness, Sima is perfect for warm days, picnics, and celebrations, creating an atmosphere of joy and traditional coziness.
1
Wash the lemons and slice them thinly, removing the seeds. Place the lemons with the peel and sugar in a large container.
- Lemon: 2 pieces
- Sugar: 340 g
- Brown sugar: 340 g
2
Pour half the volume of water into a pot, bring it to a boil, and add lemons, peel, honey, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for a while. Add the remaining cold water. When the liquid warms up, add the yeast.
- Mineral water: 5 l
- Honey: 400 g
- Sugar: 340 g
- Brown sugar: 340 g
- Brewer's yeast: 1.4 teaspoon
3
Keep the honey at room temperature for about a day until it starts to ferment. Add a little bit of raisins and 1 tablespoon of sugar to clean bottles and strain the honey into them. Seal the bottles loosely and store them in a cool place. The honey will be ready when the raisin floats to the surface.
- Raisin: 50 g
- Sugar: 340 g