A pandemic where people are forced to get creative with human interaction has resulted in some pretty amazing ideas.
In Sweden, a concept has exploded that incorporates interests we all can appreciate – cocktails, good company, and the great outdoors.
What could this magical conglomerate possibly be?
The Swedes call it an open-air bar – and it is phenomenal in every way!
When you think of going to a bar, you may think of the questionable company, watered-down drinks, and cherries that came from a jar that expired years ago.
But Sweden’s open-air bar is a refreshing new take on an old concept – a bar set among wild cherry trees, oak trees, and local wildlife.
And how do you know that the cloudberries and Arctic bramble used in your last two cocktails were sourced fresh?
Because you picked them yourself!
“The country’s 100-million-acre pantry of fruit, berries, vegetables, and crystal-clear spring water is open to everyone,” Jens Heed says on behalf of Visit Sweden, reports Travel and Leisure.
Swedish officials have set up over a dozen tables all across the country in their famous hygge culture that offers a comfortable and comforting setting.
Not only are the tables inviting, but they’re set in some of the most-coveted tourist spots in the Scandinavian region.
Two tables have been arranged in Swedish Lapland, a beautiful landscape known for its canoeing, fishing, and enchanting forest adventures.
Another perfectly arranged table, often managed by one of Sweden’s renowned chefs, sits between two of the country’s largest lakes.
The best part is that anyone can reach these open-air bars thanks to Sweden’s “right of public access” laws which allows anyone, tourist or native, to explore the outdoors freely – just so long as you don’t leave a trail of destruction along the way.
Sweden has taken the open-air bar concept even further with an effort called “Drinkable Country” by bringing in famous bars like Tjoget in Stockholm to create unique recipes inspired by the four seasons.
Drinkable Country was described by Tjoget manager Leo Lahti as “a completely new and fascinating way to experience cocktails and to discover the country and its natural environment.”
You cannot find a more sustainable way of enjoying an evening spirit than hiking through the woods and foraging for fresh herbs and berries to put in your cocktail.
Unfortunately, it may be sometime before Americans will be able to enjoy the hillsides that lead to the mountain range Skanderna with all the travel restrictions.
According to Travel and Leisure, residents of non-European Union countries are banned from all non-essential travel to Sweden and other EU countries until August 31.
That means us freedom-loving patriots from the great USA will have to resort to hunting in our own woods and enjoy a nice, cold beer afterwards – but come fall, you’ll be able to pick your own berries for a crisp Gin Rosemary refresher along the Swedish countryside.
Now that’s diversity.
