Three Midsummer Herrings with a Twist – and What to Drink with Them

Herring is a staple of the Swedish midsummer celebration, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the same old flavors every year. Here are three modern takes – recipes that are easy to make and perfectly matched with wine, bubbles or non-alcoholic drinks.

1. White Wine and Lemon Herring with Fresh Dill

Fresh, herbal and elegant – this herring pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of white wine.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar of pickled herring

• 100 ml dry white wine (such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc)

• 50 ml distilled white vinegar (12%)

• 100 g sugar

• 100 ml water

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 bunch of fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Bring the wine, vinegar, sugar and water to a boil until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool.

2. Layer red onion and herring in a jar.

3. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and dill. Pour over the cooled liquid.

4. Let sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving.

Drink pairing:

• A dry white wine with high acidity and citrus notes, like a Riesling from Mosel or a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley.

• Non-alcoholic: cold-pressed apple juice or homemade lemon lemonade.

2. Chili and Honey Herring with Lime

A bold combination of heat, sweetness and tang – ideal with a glass of rosé.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar of pickled herring

• 1 red chili, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp liquid honey

• 50 ml white wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 100 ml water

• Fresh coriander (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring vinegar, water, honey and lime juice to a boil. Let cool.

2. Stir in chili and coriander (if using).

3. Place the herring in a jar and pour over the marinade.

4. Let rest in the fridge overnight.

Drink pairing:

• A refreshing rosé wine from Provence or southern France.

• Sparkling wine such as Cava or Crémant d’Alsace.

• Non-alcoholic: elderflower cordial with lime and ice.

3. Elderflower and Cucumber Herring with Pink Peppercorns

Floral and green flavors come together in this summery, elegant herring.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar of pickled herring

• 100 ml concentrated elderflower cordial

• 50 ml white wine vinegar

• 100 ml water

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 5–10 pink peppercorns

• 10 thin slices of cucumber

• Fresh lemon balm

Instructions:

1. Bring elderflower cordial, vinegar, water and sugar to a boil. Let cool.

2. Place herring, cucumber slices and pink peppercorns in a jar.

3. Pour over the liquid and top with lemon balm.

4. Let rest in the fridge for at least 24 hours.

Drink pairing:

• Sparkling wine, preferably a Blanc de Blancs Champagne or Crémant from the Loire.

• A dry, artisanal apple cider.

• Non-alcoholic: elderflower spritzer with sparkling water, cucumber slices and lemon.