Going Long with the Finnish Long Drink

Summertime calls for sweet refreshment. I’m not talking sweetness in the sense of sugary attributes but rather sweet in the sense of something desirable. There is a new beverage making its way across the USA and it’s quickly building a fan base of followers who can’t get enough of its refreshing qualities. It’s The Finnish Long Drink, a citrus- enhanced alcoholic beverage.

Variety to Suit

The Long Drink is available in four different, delicious options:

1. Traditional– Containing 5.5 percent alcohol by volume, this smooth and satisfying beverage is a great way to get acquainted with this popular European beverage.
2. Zero– Perfect for those who adhere to Keto and other like diets, Zero is so- named because it contains no sugar or carbs. It still ramps up the flavor, however, and its 5 percent alcohol by volume is just right for more easy- going occasions.
3. Cranberry– If you want something other than citrus, reach for the Cranberry Long Drink. It swaps out the citrus in favor of berries and contains 5.5 percent alcohol by volume.
4. Strong– Intended for those who like a little more oomph to their beverage, the Strong version is, well, stronger than the rest with 8.5 percent alcohol by volume. It features a flavor similar to the Traditional, only stronger.

Flavor to Savor

The Long Drink is a newly launched beverage in the United States and a better- tasting alternative to hard seltzer, which as everyone knows has grown tremendously in popularity over the past couple of years. This family of drinks feature the flavors of grapefruit/citrus along with juniper berries and gin for a taste that is as refreshing as an unexpected cool breeze on an otherwise sweltering day.

I have sampled the Traditional and the Strong varieties of the Long Drink and like them both for different reasons. The Traditional is great for general refreshment and the citrus, juniper, and gin are mixed exactly right for the overall purpose of cooling off with a great tasting drink. With only 5.5 percent alcohol by volume, it is right in- line with the alcohol content of most summer seasonal beers and that means it is low enough that you can enjoy an extra can or two without worry.

The Strong version of The Long Drink is equally good but is meant for different occasions and/or moods. It features the same flavors of grapefruit, juniper, and gin but the added alcohol is obvious. It’s a good choice when you want refreshment from a can but prefer that it taste a little more like a cocktail mixed at your favorite drinking establishment. I haven’t had a chance to sample the other two options, but I would love to try them and plan to seek them out before the summer is through.

Refreshment to Share

The Finnish Long Drink is a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. Here at Great Beer Now headquarters, we experience summer for most of the year, since we are located near the Texas Gulf Coast. We need and crave refreshment more than most and when the hottest time of the year rolls around, we look for anything to help us forget the high temperatures. A cool drink is essential and the Long Drink is excellent for helping you get your mind off the degree level of the air so that you can focus on sharing good times and great conversation with family and friends.

Hard seltzer is everywhere and at Great Beer Now, we have sampled several. Some are better than others, yes, but the problem with hard seltzer is that it just isn’t that flavorful or memorable. The Long Drink easily beats the typical hard seltzer in the category of taste because it is more complex overall. Both beverage options are refreshing, but the Long Drink is more satisfying than hard seltzer thanks to the irresistible combination of citrus, juniper, and gin.

Beverage trends come and go, but the Finnish Long Drink is one that could easily stand the test of time. The refreshing citrus character, the lightly carbonated body, and the convivial spirit the Long Drink invokes will quickly win you over. Seek it out and taste for yourself!