The Scandinavian Society of Nova Scotia

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The first of May is celebrated in Finland with a lot of fanfare. This traditional May-day drink is usually consumed with May-day crullers. This recipe makes 5 quarts.

• 2 large lemons
• ½ cup plus 5 tsp sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 5 quarts boiling water
• 1/8 tsp active dry yeast
• 15 raisins

With a small sharp knife or peeler, carefully peel off the yellow skins of the lemons and set them aside. Then cut away the white membranes of the lemons and discard them. Slice the lemons very thinly. In a 6 to 8 quart enamelled or stainless steel bowl, combine the lemon slices, the lemon skins, the ½ cup of sugar and the brown sugar. Pour the boiling water over the mixture, stir and let cool to tepid. Stir in the yeast and allow the sima to ferment, uncovered, at room temperature for about 12 hours.

To bottle, use 5 one-quart bottles with tight covers or corks. Place 1 teaspoon of sugar and 3 raisins in the bottom of each bottle. Strain the sima through a sieve and pour the liquid into the bottles. Close the bottles tightly and let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, until the raisins have risen to the surface. Chill the bottles until ready to serve.