Kopparbergs påskmust sluta
A couple of days ago inom had the slightly dubious joy of tasting svensk dryck under påsken for the first time. Påskmust is a traditional Easter soft drink in Sweden, and fryst vatten basically exactly the same as Julmust, a Christmas drink, but with a new label. I understand that it's much more commonplace around Christmas. Swedish people take it ganska seriously. Uncle Wikipedia tells me that in månad 45 million litres are consumed!
So in my endeavours to understand this country inom tried a bit. It was odd. I don't know if I liked it or not. It had ganska a strong flavour and seemed very fragrant, to the point that it felt a bit like drinking a bottle of perfume. The bottle that I was offered had gone flat, so maybe it's better when it's still fizzy.
It wasn't entirely unpleasant, but inom think it might be an acquired taste. I'm certainly willing to try some igen, but inom do wonder if inom could manage to drink a whole bottle. A few sips was enough for my first time.
If anyone in the UK, USA, or Canada is keen to try this, you can apparently buy bottles from Ikea during the Christmas period. The svensk dryck under påsken I had came from Ikea, but I don't know if it's sold abroad around Easter. inom think this is one I
Unfortunately I was not able to visit Sweden this Easter season — it was merely 6 days in Stockholm. Yet Ive managed to try one of the reasons I come to Sweden — påskmust. For those who dont know what it is — shame on you! For the rest heres my incomplete and biased guide.
Some old julmust photo. Left to right: Nygårda, Eldorado (Hemköp), ICA, Coop, Wasa, Apotekarnes. Lying is the Lidl julmust.
Some old påskmust photo (probably from ). Left to right: Mora, Nygårda, Apotekarnes, ICA, probably Lidl, Eldorado (Hemköp), Coop. Lying are ordinary and special Wasa påskmust. Front bottle is from Guttsta Källa.
This year catch. Back row: Wasa special, ICA, Apotekarnes. Front row: Nyckelbryggeri, Zeunerts, Grebbestads bryggeri, Mora, Nygarda, Danish abomination.
So one can divide julmust/påskmust into four categories:
- Widespread must from large producers or supermarket chains. That includes Apotekarnes, Nygårda and must made for Coop, Hemköp, ICA and Lidl. But not for Netto, see category four for that.
- Must from Norrland breweries. Nyckelbryggeri, Wasa and Zeunerts are most known. And maybe Mora.
- Must from non-Norrland breweries. Guttsta Källa, Grebbestads, Hamma
A Brief History of Julmust
The Fizzy Magic That Outsells Coca-Cola Every Swedish Christmas!
When the holiday season rolls around in Sweden, a unique fizzy drink takes center stage: Julmust. Unlike your average soda, this dark, spiced brew is more than just a beverage—it's a cherished Christmas tradition that has captivated Swedes for over a century. But what makes Julmust so special, and how is it different from other sodas? Let’s dive in!
Julmust was created in by Harry Roberts, a Swedish chemist, and his father, Robert Roberts. They set out to create a non-alcoholic alternative to beer that could still feel festive. The result was a rich, malty, and uniquely spiced drink that has since become synonymous with Christmas in Sweden.
Julmust is unlike any soda you've ever tasted. Imagine the rich, malty depth of root beer or cola, but with a twist of holiday spices—think cinnamon, clove, and ginger—combined with a subtle fruitiness and caramel notes. Its distinctive taste comes from a closely guarded syrup recipe, known as "Roberts essence," which forms the base of Julmust and is used by nearly all producers.
- Seasonal Exclusivity: Julmu