Subj : Finnish Sima (Beltaine *May Day* Drink)                                 

Sima (pronounced See-mah I think)

This is the May Day drink of Finland.  This is served all summer long,
since it's refreshing and slightly tangy.

4 quarts water (
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/8 cups (approximately) granulated sugar
2 lemons, washed and sliced thinly
1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon raisins

   Heat the water to boiling and stir in the brown and granulated sugars.
Add lemon slices.  Cool to lukewarm and transfer liquid to a non-metallic 
container.  Add the yeast and stir (but don't add the yeast until the liquid has 
cooled enough, or it won't work.  To test, place a few drops on your 
wrist....(yep, you got it.. the baby bottle test!) if it's not warm or cold, 
it's just right.)

   Let this water-sugar-lemon-yeast mixture stand overnight or at least 8 to 10 
hours in a warm place. There should be tiny bubbles around the edge of the 
liquid after this length of time (sounds of Lawrence Welk fade in and out).

   Sterilize 8 pints, 4 quart bottles or a gallon jug, and place 1 or 2 
teaspoons of granulated sugar per quart of liquid into each container, as well 
as 3 or 4 raisins. Strain liquid through cheesecloth and pour into container(s). 
Cork tightly (if you happen to NOT have corks, use a balloon).  Let stand at 
room temperature until the raisins have risen (like a well-known prophet) to the 
top of the bottle (this indicates the sima has fermented enough and is ready to 
drink).  In winter, this may take 2 days or more; in warm weather, only 8 hours.
Chill and store in the refrigerator or a cool place. Makes 1 gallon.

This is only slightly alcoholic, since the brewing time is so short, therefore 
your alcohol content is very low.  Just a little something to quench your thirst 
after dancing around the Maypole for hours!!! ;)
Enjoy!