The Travelling Cocktail Drinker: The Best Bars in Lapland

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A week and a half before Christmas and The Travelling Cocktail Drinker could really only visit
one destination. The most festive place in the entire world, Lapland is where
dreams can come true for children with Christmas spirit.

For adults who would prefer an alcoholic spirit, we’ve found the very best bars in the area.

21 Café & Bar, Rovakatu 21, Rovaniemi

This extensive cocktail bar features classics such as the Vesper and Pina Colada, alongside imaginative offerings such as Apple Pie with Ice Cream (cinnamon vodka, vanilla, apple, vanilla ice cream and burned cinnamon). Sweeter food offerings are definitely the bar’s forte, with the waffles in high demand with customers – who doesn’t love a doughy treat with their cocktail?!

Café Bar Kota, Torikuja 3 A, Kittila

The perfect place to enjoy an apres-ski drink, the Café Bar Kota is located at the bottom of a ski slope, so it is also accessible to those who prefer to travel across the snow without any boards attached to their feet! There is no cocktail list, so you need to know what you want before you go in and the experienced bar staff will blend up any of the classics for you.

Sky Kitchen & View, Juhannuskalliontie, Rovaniemi

This bar is only open for the snow season, opening in December each year to welcome the festive tourists. The warm, friendly restaurant and bar prides itself on excellent service and amazing cocktails – try the Lingonberry as you sample the local cuisine – reindeer!

Northern Cowboy, Torikuja, Levi

While in Lapland, you can still satisfy your taste for all things Mexican at the Northern Cowboy. If you are looking for cocktails as a supplement to the wide range of burritos,
enchiladas and churros that they serve, we recommend an Elderflower Margarita
or a Peachy Sheriff. Like many other bars in the region, it is only open for
the tourist season, so make sure to visit before May.

Pardon the interruption

Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.

Yuca, Rovakatu 21,
Rovaniemi

Yuca is owned by the same team that run 21 Café and Bar, so you already know that the cocktail offerings are going to be good. There are just three cocktails on offer, but all are blended to perfection. Why not try a Mezcalito Al Pastor, a surprising mix of Agave Cenizo, pineapple, coriander and lemon that is mouth-wateringly tasty.

A visit to Lapland at Christmas is never dull, with so many activities aimed at families wishing to
boost their Christmas spirit. If you do get a few moments spare, make sure to
visit one of the above bars and round off your trip in the best way.


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Bartender's top tip

Incorporating fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary can add a new dimension to your cocktails. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even black pepper can also create intriguing and complex flavors. Muddle the herbs gently to release their oils without turning them bitter, or infuse them into simple syrups.

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