With a big dose of northern charm and an even bigger love for Swedish spirits, Emil Åreng talks craft, punch and why punch is the future. We caught up with the bartender, author and spirits enthusiast for a chat about Swedish drinking culture – and why ‘drink less, drink better, drink Swedish’ is a motto worth taking to heart.
Hi Emil! What’s so great about Swedish spirits?
I love the craftsmanship behind each bottle — how people with dreams have finally managed to create something they’re truly passionate about. Like in many other industries, things can quickly become industrial and large-scale, where the charm fades in the pursuit of profit. But Swedish spirits aren’t there yet — and even though plenty of people dream of becoming millionaires, you can still feel the craftsmanship and the drive to create something genuinely good.
We also have a long tradition of distilling in Sweden. It’s something we should be proud of. Sure, there have been dark times when alcohol nearly brought the whole damn country to its knees, but we’re in a different place now. There’s hope that alcohol and people can coexist without it having to ruin lives.
Drink less. Drink better. Drink Swedish.
That’s what I want on my tombstone when I call it a day.
What’s the best cocktail to make at home – for those of us who are not professional bartenders?
– Then I say PUNCH – every day of the week. Do you have 20 guests at home? That’s great. Take a recipe you like and multiply it by twenty, put it in a punch bowl, top it with a large ice cube and garnish with whatever you like. And that’s it. Is there anything more festive than punch? I don’t think so, actually.
Sounds festive! So what should you have in your bar cabinet in 2026?
– SWEDISH PUNSCH! Good to drink on its own but can be used as a sweetener in cocktails. It works in everything from an Old Fashioned to a Margarita. And even though it’s not Swedish, I fucking love Tequila punsch!
Thank you, Emil, for your passion, knowledge – and for promoting Swedish spirits culture. See you at the fair on November 7-9!
