History
Vana Tallinn (Old Tallinn) was created in 1960 by Estonian distiller Liviko in central Tallinn, with industrial production from 1962, combining Jamaican rum with Estonian vanilla, citrus oils and warm spices. The dark amber liqueur quickly became the country's signature dessert pour and a Soviet-era export across the Eastern Bloc. Today it remains the standard end-of-dinner spirit in Tallinn restaurants and the Christmas Market on Town Hall Square sells gluhwine versions through December.
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Make it at home
Ingredients
- 500ml dark Jamaican rum
- 250ml vodka
- 200g brown sugar
- 2 vanilla pods, split
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 5 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 cardamom pods, crushed
Method
- Combine all the ingredients in a large clean jar with a tight lid.
- Shake well to dissolve the sugar.
- Store in a dark cupboard for 30 days, shaking occasionally.
- Strain through a fine sieve and a coffee filter into a clean bottle.
- Serve neat after dinner or stir a tablespoon into hot coffee for an Estonian winter warmer.
Tip from the editors. Use a Jamaican-style dark rum with molasses notes; the warm spices need a rich base spirit.
Where to eat vana tallinn
Vana Tallinn in Tallinn
Maiasmokk ★ 4.5
Maiasmokk on Pikk has been Tallinn's confectionery cafe since 1864, the oldest continuously operating cafe in Estonia with a marzipan-painting room daily.
OrderHot chocolate and a piece of hand-painted marzipan; the kringel sweet bread is the everyday order.
DrinkHot chocolate with marzipan
TipThe marzipan room runs an audioguide tour. Cake counter at the door for takeaway.
Olde Hansa ★ 4.4
Olde Hansa on Vana turg runs the medieval Hanseatic feast in candlelight until midnight every night, with live hurdy-gurdy and bagpipe music Wed to Sat.
TryMedieval Hanseatic feast with live music
Tchaikovsky ★ 4.4
Tchaikovsky inside five-star Hotel Telegraaf on Vene in the Old Town is a Michelin-listed room with French technique, Russian traditions and Estonian.
OrderThe tasting menu with Champagne pairing under the glass-roofed atrium.
Book1 week ahead
TipLive string quartet most evenings. Sunday brunch and afternoon tea also served.
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