A local partnership led to the creation of Rambo’s Revival, a small-batch cider made with Swedish lingonberry and hand-pressed Rambo apples.
Experts believe the origin of the Rambo apple traces back to the American colony of New Sweden. In 1637, Peter Gunnarsson Rambo arrived on the Kalmar Nyckel, likely bringing the first Rambo apple tree seed with him. Two such trees remain on the grounds of the Swedish American History Museum in Philadelphia.
“We have a great partnership with LAB [Liquid Alchemy Beverages], and we had these Rambo trees on the property,” American Swedish History Museum Assistant Director Lauren Burnham explains. “Every year, the apples would just ripen and fall off.”
The Rambo apple is traditionally a cider apple, so the history experts at the museum turned to the cider experts at Liquid Alchemy to help them make the most of these historic Swedish apples.
The owners at Liquid Alchemy Beverages are no strangers to Swedish tradition. Co-owner Terri Sorantino is connected to her Swedish heritage and even created a mead inspired by Scandinavian Glögg—a traditional holiday beverage.
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Thanks in part to Sorantino’s heritage, the Wilmington meadery maintains a strong relationship with the Swedish Museum, (the owners have affectionately nicknamed Burnham “The Queen of Sweden”). The partnership was a no-brainer for both organizations, and the resulting cider quickly gained popularity with last year’s release. The 2023 batch of Rambo’s Revival sold out within a week of the release, and Liquid Alchemy is expecting another enthusiastic reception this year at the release event.
Rambo’s Revival Cider Tasting & Swedish Trivia Night
Tuesday, October 22 | 6-8 p.m.
Think you know your Swedish history? Time to study up! The Rambo’s Revival Cider release event at the American Swedish History Museum includes a Swedish-themed trivia night. Attendees will also enjoy an apple-centric food spread including roasted pork loin with caramelized apples, beet and apple salad, warm apple and lingonberry crisp and more. Get the first taste of this traditional cider with a modern twist and participate in a fun and educational evening. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and include food and one free cider with more cider and other beverages available for purchase.
1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia
For something a little closer to home, the meadery will also host a Rambo’s Revival tasting event on Thursday, November 7 at 6 p.m. Stop by to taste the cider and participate in trivia. While you’re there, be sure to taste Liquid Alchemy’s Gloggtoberfest mead for the full Swedish-inspired experience.
28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington
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