Valge Klaar is a beloved Estonian soft drink that perfectly combines the sweetness of apples with the tang of lemon, topped off with a refreshing fizz. First introduced in the 1970s by A. Le Coq, this simple yet nostalgic beverage has become a staple in Estonian homes, cafés, and restaurants. If you're craving a taste of Estonia but can't find it locally, fear not! You can easily recreate this delightful drink at home with just a few ingredients — apple juice, lemon, sparkling water, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re relaxing at home or hosting friends, Valge Klaar is the perfect drink to bring a slice of Estonian summer to your glass.
Ingredients
- 1 liter apple juice Pure juice, preferably fresh-pressed with no added sugar.
- ¼ cup lemon juice Just enough to brighten things up.
- ¼ cup sugar syrup Dissolve sugar in warm water to create a simple syrup. Adjust to your taste.
- 1 liter sparkling water The bubbly magic that makes it all come together.
- 1 tsp lemon zest For an extra citrusy punch.
- fresh mint leaves A few sprigs of mint for garnish and extra refreshment.
Instructions
- Mix the juices: In a large jug, combine the apple juice and lemon juice. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Sweeten to taste: Gradually add the sugar syrup, tasting as you go, until it reaches your preferred sweetness level.
- Add the bubbles: Slowly pour in the sparkling water and stir gently, just enough to combine everything, but without losing the fizz.
- Finish with zest and mint: Grate a little lemon zest into the mixture and, if you like, add fresh mint leaves to enhance the flavor.
- Chill and serve: You can let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or serve it immediately over ice. Garnish with lemon slices or mint sprigs for an extra touch of style.
Notes
Valge Klaar – a sparkling slice of Estonian summer 🍏🍋
Have you ever visited Estonia? If so, chances are you've come across Valge Klaar — that crisp, sparkling apple-lemon drink that just seems to show up exactly when you need it. Whether you enjoyed it sitting outside a cozy café in Tallinn ☕ or grabbed a bottle from a local shop during a hot summer day 🌞, you know that this drink has something special. It’s light, refreshing, and has that perfect balance of sweetness and tang — like biting into a juicy apple 🍏 with a splash of zesty lemon 🍋.
More than just a drink
Valge Klaar made its debut back in the 1970s, and it didn’t take long before it became a beloved drink for Estonians. Crafted by the renowned Estonian beverage company A. Le Coq 🍹, it quickly became a staple across the country. The simple combination of apple juice, lemon zest, and just the right amount of fizz made it stand out — nothing too fancy, but always just what you need. But for many Estonians, Valge Klaar is more than just a drink. It's a little piece of their past — a taste of summer adventures, family barbecues 🍖, road trips 🚗, and sunny afternoons spent outdoors 🌳. Even today, you’ll find bottles of it in homes 🏠, cafés ☕, and neighborhood shops 🛍️. With just one sip, the memories come flooding back.Bringing Estonia to your glass 🥂
Valge Klaar might be simple, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s easy to make, light, and perfectly refreshing, with just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Even if you’re nowhere near Estonia, making it at home is a great way to bring a little piece of Estonian summer 🌞 into your day. So go ahead, mix up a jug, kick back 🛋️, and enjoy a taste of summer, Estonian-style 🇪🇪.