Julmust

Julmust is a cherished soft drink in Sweden, especially during the Christmas season. You won't find it much outside of this festive period, except around Easter when it is called påskmust. This beverage has been a staple since 1910, originally created as a non-alcoholic alternative to beer. The syrup that gives julmust its distinct flavor is produced by Roberts AB in Örebro and distributed to various soft drink manufacturers.

The ingredients of julmust include carbonated water, sugar, hop extract, malt extract, spices, caramel coloring, citric acid, and preservatives, resulting in a flavor somewhat akin to root beer.

During Christmas, julmust is so popular that it even outsells Coca-Cola in Sweden. In response, Coca-Cola has created its own version called "Bjäre julmust." Outside of Sweden, you can find similar seasonal drinks, such as Pepsi Holiday Spice in the United States. IKEA also sells a version named Dryck Julmust in several countries during the holiday season, along with a sugar-free variant called Vintersaga.

If you're outside Sweden and craving julmust, specialty shops in the UK, Belgium, and Finland often carry it. In Finland, it is a cherished part of the Christmas dinner tradition.