Essential Ingredients for a Classic Swedish Midsummer 

Ah, Midsummer. One of the most glorious times of the year. Deeply rooted in Swedish culture, the celebration of Midsummer marks the long-awaited arrival of summer.  

While there are many things that make the Swedish Midsummer so wonderful, below are five essential ingredients, which, when mixed together, guarantee a Midsummer to remember: 

The Gathering of Friends and Family 

Midsummer marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It also marks a time where many Swedes begin their long vacations. But more than that, Midsummer is a celebration of joy and togetherness, a day where friends and family, young and old, gather and enjoy the simplicity of each other’s company, while eating delicious foods and creating long-lasting memories. 

Being Out in Nature  

One of the most distinctive features of the Swedish Midsummer celebration is the emphasis on being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Many people choose to spend the day in the countryside or in the archipelago, basking in the sun and enjoying the lush greenery. 

Many go out and pick fresh flowers, which they then use to make traditional flower crowns to adorn their heads. But that’s not the only flower tradition associated with Midsummer. According to folklore, if you pick and place seven different types of flowers under your pillow before going to sleep, you will dream about the person you will one day marry. 

Eating Delicious, Traditional Foods  

Midsummer is synonymous with an array of traditional Swedish delicacies. The celebration typically features a lunch buffet known as the “Smörgåsbord”, which includes a variety of traditional dishes such as pickled herring, new potatoes, cured salmon, and fresh strawberries.  

Oh, and let’s not forget Swedish meatballs – an absolute must-have at any Midsummer feast – and the traditional Midsummer cake (“midsommartårta”) consisting of strawberries and cream.  

The perfect accompaniment to Midsummer food is snaps. Therefore, no Midsummer would be complete without the tradition of drinking snaps and singing “snapsvisor.” The tradition is simple – everyone at the table raises an aquavit-filled glass and sings humorous “snaps-friendly” songs at the top of their lungs before sipping their glass and toasting “Skål!” 

Dancing Around the Maypole  

One of the essential Midsummer rituals is dancing around the maypole. The maypole symbolizes fertility and is adorned with vibrant flowers and greenery. It serves as the focal point for the traditional dancing.    

Mixing Great Drinks 

The taste of Elderflower is one of the most associated flavors with Swedish summer, which is why our pick for Midsummer cocktail is the Absolut Elderflower Collins. 

This cocktail captures the festive ambiance of Swedish Midsummer. Best yet, it’s easy to make and one that’s sure to impress friends and family. Simply combine Absolut Vodka, lemon juice, and elderflower cordial in a glass with ice. Then, top it off with soda water and garnish with a lemon wheel. Check out our recipe for Absolut Elderflower Collins here. 

Here’s to a wonderful Midsummer! Skål! 

Take in the festive spirit of Midsummer by watching Absolut’s Guide to Celebrating Swedish Midsommar.