With rising temperatures and Midsummer only 13 days away (!), we're mentally preparing for the final stretch to AWESOME leading to June 24th. Like any great event, Midsummer takes preparation- building up our vodka tolerance, trying to find the best cocktail recipes, and gathering all the essentials we need for the what we deem the best time of the year. Midsummer is the gift that keeps giving, people. We know not everyone has as many Midsummer experiences under their belts as we do (we were established in 1580, we know a thing or two), so we thought we'd make a handy little guide to get some of you newbies feeling right at home when the holiday hits in just a couple of weeks. Here are our top 5 Midsummer essentials:
1. Cocktail glass + Kanon bottle: An obvious choice and a favorite of ours, Midsummer just isn't complete without a refreshing Kanon cocktail or four. Pick up a bottle of Kanon (our stockist list is conveniently located here), pour yourself a drink, and let the good times fly. The Swedes are big fans of taking a “nubbe” or shot of alcohol. Aren't they the best?
2. Your crush: Legend has it that love is strongest on this day so grab your crush- it's time to make things happen. Summer loving, indeed.
3. Sunglasses: Midsummer is also the summer solstice, making it the longest day of the year (aka more time to drink- score) and the sunniest. So grab your sunglasses for the first day of summer and stay cool, friends. Keep them around for the morning after too, this is a hangover-friendly accessory.
4. Songs: Like any culture that loves to drink, we also love to SING. We can't help it, it's in our blood and for decades, Midsummer has really brought out the best songs. Case in point? Små grodorna or "The little frogs,” which also involves hopping around like the animal it’s named for. Here are the lyrics (they'll be easier after a cocktail):
Små grodorna, små grodorna är lustiga att se.
Små grodorna, små grodorna är lustiga att se.
Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de. Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de.
Kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack ack kaa.
Kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack ack kaa.
5. Pillow: In Midsummer history, it's not uncommon for girls to gather flowers and sleep with a bouquet under their pillows so they'll dream of their future husband. Cute, right? So make sure you find yourself a nice pillow. At the very least, it’ll help you sleep better, and hopefully counteract some of that next-day hangover.
