| To truly understand the deep-rooted drinking culture of Iceland, you have to go back to the Viking Age, 874 AD, when Norse settlers first brought their love for mead and ale to the uninhabited island’s rugged shores. Central to celebrations and social life, mead was a luxury made from precious honey, and ale was an everyday staple brewed from barley. But, as Iceland developed, its harsh climate and isolation made grain cultivation difficult, forcing Icelanders to rely on imported spirits like aquavit, which later evolved into Brennivín, the country’s signature drink. Take a trip to Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik today (where more than 60% of the country’s population lives), and you’ll find a vibrant and innovative bar scene that has flourished in recent years. Craft cocktails incorporating local ingredients, from Arctic herbs to Icelandic spirits, have become a staple at Reykjavík’s top bars, and the city’s bartenders have gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of mixology. What began as a modest scene has transformed into a buzzing nightlife destination, where cozy pubs, trendy cocktail bars and even bustling nightclubs offer something for every kind of drinker. | 