Apr 15, 2021 · Viking drinks: beer and mead Apart from milk and water, which are staple drinks for most civilisations, the Vikings were also fond of beer and mead. Beer is made by fermenting barley with water to produce an alcoholic drink.

Viking culture is known for its love of adventure, exploration, and warfare, but did you know they were also passionate about their drinks? From honey-based mead to hearty ale, Viking beverages were a crucial part of their daily lives and played a significant role in their rituals and traditions.

Ales and beers were probably the most plentiful drink for the Vikings. Ale is principally brewed from grains boiled in water (which makes a syrupy mixture called wort). The grain was usually barley, though all manner of grain may be used.

What did the Vikings eat and drink? Let’s find out! Viking Drinks. The main Viking alcoholic beverages were mead and beer. Like all meads, Viking mead was made from honey. The beer was ale made from barley, with hops sometimes being added for flavor. [1] [2]

Mar 14, 2025 · Drinking water wasn’t always safe, so beer and ale were the go-to drinks. They brewed two types of ale: a weak version for daily drinking (even for children) and a stronger version for celebrations. Mead, a fermented honey drink, was a Viking favorite but reserved for special occasions.

Drinks were more than just thirst quenchers for the Vikings; they were central to their social rituals, religious ceremonies, and nutritional intake. From high feasts in the halls of Jarls to the humble farmer’s table, what Vikings drank wove together their community fabric.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what alcohol did Vikings drink and why it was so important to them. We’ll also look at some of the different types of beverages popular with the Norsemen and how they were used in their daily lives.

By the 8th century, Vikings were likely drinking an abundance of brewskis. In the Hávamál and other Norse works of literature and poetry, beer and mead are often mentioned as being an integral part of Norse society.

Viking drinks were as robust as their food, essential for survival and celebration alike. Water was the most common drink, but the Vikings also enjoyed a variety of alcoholic beverages. Mead, often called the "nectar of the gods," is perhaps the most iconic Viking drink.

Ale and beer were the everyday drinks of the Vikings, brewed from barley or other grains. These beverages were a dietary staple, providing essential calories and nutrients. The brewing process was a communal activity, often undertaken by women known as alewives.