Sima, pronounced ‘see-mah’, is a Finnish May Day Drink usually served with May Day Crullers.
makes 5 quarts
2 large lemons
1/2 cup plus 5 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup dark corn syrup, optional
5 quarts boiling water
1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast
15 or so raisins
Peel lemon remove any of the white pith from the peel.
Slice lemons as thin as possible.
Combine lemon slices, lemon skins, 1/2 cup sugar and the brown sugar in a large enameled or stainless steel bowl.
Pour boiling water over the mixture, stir then let cool to tepid.
Stir in the yeast and allow the sima to ferment, uncovered, at room temperature for 12 hours.
Bottle it: use 5 one-quart bottles with tight covers or corks. Place 1 teaspoon of sugar and 3 or 4 raisins in the bottom of each bottle. Strain the sima through a sieve and pour liquid into bottles. Close bottles tightly and let stand at room temperature 1 to 4 days until the raisins have risen to the surface. It will then be ready to drink, the raisin will rise according to the temperature of your home. Chill the bottles until ready to serve. Serve well chilled!
