Mar 4 • 20:04 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway Aftenposten

"The Workers' Drink" Has Almost Died Out

The article explores the decline of the traditional Oslo drink known as 'Grønn genser', once popular among the working class and now nearly forgotten.

The piece discusses the historical significance of a cocktail known as 'Grønn genser', which was a popular drink among the working class in Oslo during the 1930s. Named for its ingredient labels printed on green paper, the drink is a blend of beer and port wine, and was once seen as a symbol of the working-class spirit in the region. Icons like German Chancellor Willy Brandt and revolutionary Leon Trotsky were known to frequent bars where this drink was served, further embedding it in the cultural fabric of the time.

However, the article highlights that a century later, even prominent figures in the Rødt political party, which represents workers' rights, are not familiar with this piece of Oslo's drink heritage. This lack of recognition signals a significant cultural shift and raises questions about the social dynamics and evolving traditions within the city.

The bartender, Stojan Lucic, who has served the drink since 1998, reflects the nostalgia associated with the 'Grønn genser', suggesting its near extinction could be tied to broader societal changes as the working class experiences transformation in their social habits. The article implies that while the drink may fade into obscurity, it represents a bygone era of Oslo's history that still holds reverence among cultural historians and locals alike.

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