Quirky Foodster
  1. Back

Drinks

Sima (Finnish Fermented Lemon Drink)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 minutes
Prep
5 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 3 litres (12 cups) Water
  • 2 large Lemons, sliced (zest and juice used)
  • 200 g (1 cup) Brown sugar
  • 100 g (1/2 cup) White sugar
  • 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp Raisins, plus extra for bottling (2 tbsp)

Method

  1. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in the brown and white sugar until dissolved.
  2. Add the sliced lemons (zest and juice) to the hot liquid and let cool to lukewarm.
  3. Once cooled to below 35°C (95°F), sprinkle in the yeast and stir gently.
  4. Cover loosely and let ferment at room temperature for 24 hours.
  5. Strain out the lemon slices, then pour the liquid into clean bottles, adding a few raisins to each bottle.
  6. Seal loosely and refrigerate for 1-2 days; the drink is ready once the raisins float to the top.

Introduction: Sima is a lightly fermented, honey-and-lemon flavoured drink brewed specifically for Vappu, Finland’s May Day celebrations, when it is served alongside funnel cakes to picnicking crowds nationwide.

Cultural Background: Sima is a lightly fermented, honey-and-lemon flavoured drink brewed specifically for Vappu, Finland’s May Day celebrations, when it is served alongside funnel cakes to picnicking crowds nationwide. Its gentle carbonation comes from a brief natural fermentation with a few grains of yeast and raisins, a tradition dating back over a century.

Tips: Use only a tiny pinch of yeast — too much causes over-fermentation and overly fizzy, alcoholic results. Burp the bottles occasionally if using tightly sealed caps, to release pressure safely.

Variations: Add a few whole cloves to the boiling water for extra warmth of flavour. Reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet, more traditional farmhouse version.

Storage: Refrigerate sealed bottles and consume within 5-7 days for the best flavour and safe carbonation levels.

Reheating: Served chilled; not reheated.

FAQs:

Q: Is sima alcoholic?

A: It contains only a trace amount of alcohol from the brief fermentation, similar to kombucha, making it suitable for all ages.

Q: When is sima traditionally drunk?

A: It is brewed specifically for Vappu, Finland’s May Day festival on 1 May, and rarely made at other times of year.

© Arscale 2026