Embracing päntsdrunk, the Finnish way of drinking alone in your underwear

This isn’t drinking alone to cope; it’s drinking alone to celebrate

Celebration, relaxation and re-centering are key to päntsdrunk, which is what makes it so radically different from our general understanding of lone alcohol consumption. In America, we’ve learned that drinking alone usually isn’t healthy. Your physician or therapist may bring up the question, “Do you drink alone?” when they’re assessing your mental health. Answering “yes” can be a red flag indicating alcoholic behavior.

Päntsdrunk is indeed drinking alone, but it’s not associated with problem drinking or alcoholism. First of all, as Volk is quick to highlight, it’s not about getting drunk, nor is it about escapism, coping or avoiding people. It’s about indulging in me-time.

“If you’re drinking alone because you’re depressed or want to forget, that’s not päntsdrunk,” says Volk. “Päntsdrunk is more like having a glass of wine or beer and reading a book [in the near-nude] after you’ve just had a long week where you kicked ass. Now you want to celebrate with something delicious, which is why you also wouldn’t go for the cheapest alcohol available, but something good and in moderation.”

Päntsdrunk isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great way to enjoy the occasional drink

Scott Keatley, a registered dietitian based in New York City finds value in päntsdrunk, not only because “there are countless studies showing the benefit of the occasional drink,” but also because it’s a great way to chill out without a care in the world.

“Päntsdrunk is really permission to fully relax, which is why it is so great,” Keatley says. “The idea is not to get wasted but to unwind, recharge [and get away] from the hustle and bustle.”

Päntsdrunk as mindful drinking

Päntsdrunk can even be a healthier, more moderate way to drink than when you’re out with others.

“In the United States, we generally drink in groups, which is fine but it’s very hard to stop at one or two when someone in your group is ready to go for another,” says Keatley. “Drinking by yourself — in your underwear — frees you from that kind of peer pressure. It lets you drink a little slower, enjoy your thoughts and then quit once you’re done. Much like how we should eat mindfully, we should drink mindfully.”

Choose the top-shelf booze and consider these Finnish-style cocktails

Volk emphasizes that cheap alcohol or “just whatever is available” is an absolute no-no in the world of päntsdrunk. You want to aim for something high quality and low in alcohol content such as a light cocktail with Finnish vodka, or a top-notch Scandinavian beer of which the region has no shortage.

“I recommend a cocktail that is lower in alcohol, like a spritz or vermouth, so you’re not getting drunk, because again, that’s not the point,” says Volk, who also shares a couple of her own bar’s Finnish-inspired cocktail recipes.

The Norseman cocktail by Briana Volk
The Norseman cocktail by Briana VolkPETER FRANK EDWARDS

The Norseman

(Served in a double old-fashioned glass, chilled, with ice.)

-2 oz. Brown Butter-Washed Aquavit (recipe available in her book)

-1 tsp. rich simple syrup

-2 dashes Angostura bitters

-2 green apple slices for garnish

Finnish Nail cocktail by Briana Volk
Finnish Nail cocktail by Briana VolkPETER FRANK EDWARDS

Finnish Nail

(Served in a double old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube.)

-2 oz. blended Scotch

-1/2 oz. Drambuie

-1/2 oz. Hunt-Alpine Cardamom Coriander Syrup

-lemon peel for garnish

Optimizing päntsdrunk your experience

Whatever you choose to drink, make sure you’re fully appreciating your alone time, preferably by putting all screens away.

“I don’t think we as Americans get much alone time,” Volk says. “I’m married with two kids and personally, get very little of it. I also sleep with my phone next to me in case a work email comes in. We’re so constantly available that it’s nice to find ways to celebrate the moments when we don’t have to be. I often feel my most creative and centered when by myself,” says Volk. “Why not have a delicious drink to make the most of it?”

Undoubtedly, päntsdrunk is not for everyone. If you have a history of any alcoholic tendencies or concerns about your drinking habits then this activity might best be avoided. But if all is well, then maybe a toast to yourself, by yourself in little more than your birthday suit, is in order.

NEXT: What is the Nordic diet — and why do doctors, dietitians and even psychiatrists like it so much?