Plant-free and Alcohol-free ideas for January

The popularity of dry January and Veganuary continues to grow and with offerings from non-alcoholic gin to foraging for mushrooms and berries, Estonia is perfect for those trying to forego a habit or try something new.  

Estonia’s first non-alcoholic gin and tonic made from recycled Christmas trees 

Flâneur, made from classic gin botanicals by Lahhentagge distillery, is Estonia’s first non-alcoholic spirit and distilled on the west coast od Saaremaa, the largest of the country’s 2,222 islands.  Using wild plants from Saaremaa, juniper berries and local herbs, the 0% Flâneur is created as an alcohol-free alternative to gin and served with tonic.  

The distillery produces a range of tonics and sodas from recycled products that would otherwise be wasted. The spruce tonic is made from recycled Christmas trees and the juniper soda uses cut-down juniper trees from the shores of the island 

Lahhentagge opened a new visitor centre in the summer of 2022 and offers a one-hour Lahhentagge taste tour which includes the history of Saaremaa gin factory and explanations on how the Christmas trees are reused. 

For more information visit: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/lahhentagge-taste-tour-on-saaremaa 

Estonian foraging 

With such an abundance of forests, it is no surprise that foraging plays a significant part in Estonia’s food culture. Visitors can take a guided tour through the marshes, bogs and forests to search for berries and mushrooms, which are prevalent in these areas. The tours are led by an experience forager who hikes with the guests to find places with the best delicacies, whilst imparting their wisdom as to what to pick and how to store the produce through the winter. 

Veganuary in Estonia 

Estonia’s fine-dining restaurants and chefs’ tables are often centred around seasonal and foraged produce. These dining experiences provide a great introduction to Estonian cuisine, as the landscape of the country is evoked through the food. The majority of restaurants across the country will have vegan options.  

Restaurant V in Tallinn was the capital’s first fully vegan restaurant and serves an á la carte international menu taking inspirations from both Estonia and further afield. With dishes including lemon risotto with roasted tahini pumpkin, beetroot ravioli with cashew cream cheese and basil pesto, or passionfruit “cheesecake bite” with mango & raspberry sauce. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/vegan-restaurant-v  

Tartu, the country’s second city and Capital of Culture in 2024 is is often referred to as "the pantry of Estonia", boasting an historical farmers' market and a number of food festivals year-round. Spargel is a cosy restaurant-gallery in the Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, where art can be found both on the walls and on the plate. Using seasonal and local ingredients, the restaurant offers a separate range of vegan dishes including beetroot ravioli, broccoli salad with courgettes, celery, pear and vegan mayo, a raspberry-hazelnut cake with raspberry sauce range of vegan dishes. Our lunch and monthly specials and themed catering are also very popular. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/restaurant-spargel