The Ultimate Long Drink Guide: What Is It, Top Flavors Ranked, and Taste Test (2026)
The first time I cracked open a Finnish long drink, I didn’t know what to expect. I was standing in a humid sauna dressing room, and a local handed me a blue striped can that looked more like a soda than a cocktail. It wasn’t beer. It wasn’t a sugary hard seltzer. It was cloudy, crisp, and smelled heavily of grapefruit and juniper. That first sip changed my perspective on canned cocktails entirely.
If you are tired of the bloat from beer or the artificial aftertaste of standard seltzers, the long drink is the category you have been missing. But with its explosive growth in the US market, store shelves are getting crowded. Which long drink flavors are actually worth your money, and which ones taste like chemical cleanser?
I have tasted, tested, and ranked the heavy hitters in the category to give you a definitive answer. Here is everything you need to know about the drink that Finland kept secret for 70 years.
What Is a Long Drink? The History Behind the Can
To understand the flavor, you have to understand the origin. The question “what is a long drink?” has a specific historical answer. It is not just a highball glass filled with liquor and mixer; it is a specific cultural institution in Finland known as “lonkero.”
The Finnish long drink was invented for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. The government needed a way to serve huge crowds of tourists quickly without slowing down bar service. They commissioned a pre-mixed cocktail consisting of premium gin and grapefruit soda. It was supposed to be a temporary solution for the games.
It never went away.
Unlike American hard seltzers, which are usually fermented cane sugar with added flavoring, a true long drink is made with actual liquor specifically gin. This provides a cleaner mouthfeel and a “kick” that malt-based beverages lack. When you buy a Finnish long drink, you are buying a legitimate cocktail in a can, not a flavored malt beverage.
This distinction matters for the taste. The piney notes of juniper berries in the gin interact with the acidity of the grapefruit to create a balance that hides the alcohol almost too well. It is dangerous, refreshing, and incredibly crushable.
Flavor Profile Breakdown: What Does Long Drink Taste Like?
If you have never had one, you are likely wondering: what does long drink taste like compared to a Mike’s Hard Lemonade or a White Claw?
The short answer: It tastes like juice and soda, not alcohol.
A traditional long drink hits the palate with immediate carbonation, followed by a sharp, tart grapefruit bite. It is not overly sweet like American sodas (Sprite or Squirt). It has a cloudiness to it literal sediment from the fruit and oils from the gin that gives it texture. The finish is dry, thanks to the gin, which scrubs the sugar off your tongue.
Here is a breakdown of the sensory experience you should expect:
- Aroma: Fresh citrus zest, pine needles (juniper), and a hint of mineral water.
- Attack: High carbonation and cold temperature numbing the sweetness.
- Mid-Palate: Sour grapefruit acidity and the herbal warmth of gin.
- Finish: Clean, dry, and slightly bitter (in a good way).
Many people ask what does long drink taste like when compared to a “Greyhound” or “Paloma” cocktail. It is lighter and more effervescent than a Greyhound, and less sweet than a Paloma because it lacks the tequila sugar profile.
| Feature | Finnish Long Drink | Hard Seltzer | Light Beer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Alcohol | Gin (Distilled Spirit) | Fermented Cane Sugar/Malt | Barley/Hops |
| Flavor Profile | Citrus, Pine, Tart | Subtle Fruit Essence | Malty, Bitter, Bread-like |
| Mouthfeel | Cloudy, Full-bodied | Thin, Watery | Foamy, Medium-bodied |
| Best Serving Temp | Ice Cold (38°F) | Cold (40°F) | Cold (38-45°F) |
Top 10 Long Drink Flavors Ranked by Taste and Popularity
This is the most contested part of the long drink world. Purists will only drink the original grapefruit, but brands have expanded into cranberry, peach, and citrus variations. To create this list of long drink flavors ranked, I evaluated them based on balance (acid-to-sugar ratio), authenticity (does it taste like real fruit?), and sessionability (can you drink more than two?).
1. The Finnish Long Drink (Traditional Citrus/Blue)
This is the gold standard for the US market and the undisputed king of long drink flavors ranked. Known simply as “The Blue One,” this 5.5% ABV can defines the category for most Americans.
Why does it rank #1? Balance. The grapefruit soda element feels natural, cloudy, and crisp without dipping into the medicinal territory that some citrus sodas suffer from. The gin presence is detectable but gentle. When you pour it over ice, the carbonation holds up remarkably well, releasing aromatics of red grapefruit and juniper. It is refreshing enough for a hot beach day but robust enough to pair with savory food. It is the safest entry point for beginners asking what is a long drink and remains the favorite for veterans. It doesn’t try to be fancy; it just works.
2. Hartwall Original Long Drink (Grey)
If you are in Finland (or can find a specialty importer), this is the “real” one. Hartwall produced the original batch for the 1952 Olympics. In the world of Finnish long drink enthusiasts, Hartwall is legendary.
The taste profile is slightly more aggressive than the US “Blue” version mentioned above. It leans harder into the gin botanicals. You get a distinct pine and coriander note that cuts through the sugar more effectively. It is less “soda-pop” and more “cocktail.” The reason it ranks second is strictly availability; it is much harder to find in the United States. However, if you spot the grey striped can, buy it immediately. It offers a sharper, more sophisticated bite that honors the drink’s history.
3. The Finnish Long Drink Zero
Diet versions of drinks usually suffer from a hollow mid-palate or a metallic aftertaste from artificial sweeteners. The Zero variant defies this curse, making it a standout among long drink flavors.
It maintains the cloudy appearance and the heavy grapefruit aroma of the full-sugar version. The flavor scientists managed to mask the lack of sugar by upping the acidity. It tastes tart—almost biting—which distracts the tongue from noticing the absence of cane sugar. For those on a Keto diet or simply watching calories, this is arguably the best low-carb canned cocktail on the market. You lose a little bit of the “mouth-coating” texture that sugar provides, but the flavor fidelity is 90% of the way there.
4. Kyrö Long Drink (Cranberry & Rosemary)
Kyrö is a Finnish distillery famous for its rye gin, and their canned long drink reflects that craft heritage. This isn’t just grapefruit; it is a complex mix of tart cranberry and herbal rosemary.
This ranks highly because it creates a distinct flavor journey. The cranberry provides a tannic dryness that dries out your mouth, making you want another sip, while the rosemary adds a savory aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the rye base spirit. It feels like a mixologist made it at a bar. It is less of a “chugging” drink and more of a “sipping” drink. If you find standard long drink flavors too simple or one-note, Kyrö adds the complexity you are looking for.
5. The Finnish Long Drink Cranberry (Red)
Often simply called “The Red One,” this is the direct alternative to the traditional grapefruit. It swaps the citrus bite for a berry sweetness.
In the list of long drink flavors ranked, this sits comfortably in the middle because it is polarizing. It is sweeter than the blue can. The cranberry flavor leans slightly towards “cranberry juice cocktail” rather than fresh tart cranberries. However, it is exceptionally popular during the winter months or for people who find gin/grapefruit too bitter. It mixes exceptionally well with a squeeze of fresh lime, which cuts the sweetness and brings it back into balance.
6. The Finnish Long Drink Strong (Black)
Sometimes, 5.5% ABV isn’t enough. The “Strong” version bumps the alcohol content up to 8.5%, mimicking the “Double” style drinks popular in European bars.
Taste wise, this is impressive because it does not taste boozy. You might expect a burn of alcohol, but the extra gin just amplifies the juniper notes. It is dangerous for that exact reason. It tastes nearly identical to the standard blue can but with a heavier body and a warmer finish. It ranks lower only because it is less “sessionable” after two of these, you are definitely feeling it. It is a functional drink for when you want efficiency over quantity.
7. Sinebrychoff (Koff) Long Drink
Another massive player in the domestic Finnish market, often referred to as “Koff.” If Hartwall is the Coca-Cola of Finland, Sinebrychoff is the Pepsi.
The flavor profile here is sweeter and slightly more confectionary than Hartwall or the US brands. It has a candy-like grapefruit flavor, reminiscent of gummy candies. For those with a sweet tooth, this might actually be their #1 choice. However, for a general ranking, the lack of botanical bitterness knocks it down a few pegs. It drinks more like a soda than a gin cocktail, missing that essential herbal complexity that defines the Finnish long drink tradition.
8. The Finnish Long Drink Peach
A newer entrant to the lineup, aiming to capture the summer demographic that loves peach tea and peach cobbler flavors.
This flavor is a departure from tradition. Peach is a heavy, floral flavor that can easily overpower the delicate notes of gin. Here, it works reasonably well, but it changes the identity of the drink. It feels less crisp and more lush. It pairs well with spicy food (like BBQ), but it lacks the refreshing “snap” of the grapefruit or cranberry versions. It is a solid crowd-pleaser for parties where guests might be skeptical of gin, as the peach completely hides the spirit.
9. Freedom of Press (Long Drink)
An American craft take on the concept. This brand leans heavily into natural ingredients and botanical transparency.
Freedom of Press ranks here because of its boldness. It tastes very “green” and fresh, utilizing cucumber and mint notes alongside the citrus. It is distinct from the Finnish imports. It tastes like a spa water that gets you buzzed. While excellent, it strays a bit far from the classic long drink flavors profile, making it a niche choice for craft cocktail enthusiasts rather than a general crowd favorite.
10. Homemade DIY Long Drink
Sometimes, the best long drink is the one you mix yourself. While cans are convenient, you can replicate the freshness at home with three ingredients.
To rank a homemade version: Take 2 oz of a London Dry Gin (like Tanqueray or Beefeater), 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice, and top with a high quality Grapefruit Soda (like Squirt or Fever-Tree Grapefruit). The result is fresher and brighter than any can. You lose the convenience, but you gain control over the gin-to-soda ratio. If you want to know what does long drink taste like in its purest form, this is the experiment to try.
| Rank | Name | Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Finnish Long Drink (Blue) | Classic Citrus, Balanced | First-time buyers |
| 2 | Hartwall Original | Piney, Dry, Authentic | Cocktail purists |
| 3 | The Finnish Long Drink Zero | Tart, Crisp, Light | Low-carb diets |
| 4 | Kyrö Cranberry & Rosemary | Herbal, Savory, Complex | Slow sipping |
| 5 | The Finnish Long Drink Cranberry | Sweet, Berry-forward | Winter drinking |
Nutrition and Ingredients: Is It Better Than Beer?
When discussing what is a long drink, we have to talk about what is inside the can. Health-conscious drinkers often migrate to this category, but is it actually healthier?
A standard can of the leading US brand contains roughly 180 calories. This puts it higher than a Michelob Ultra (95 calories) or a White Claw (100 calories), but comparable to a heavy IPA or craft beer. The calories come from the sugar in the soda and the alcohol itself.
However, the ingredient quality is the differentiator. Beer contains gluten (usually). Most mass-market seltzers utilize malt bases. The long drink utilizes distilled gin. This means it is naturally gluten-free. For drinkers who feel bloated or sluggish after drinking beer, the long drink offers a lighter digestive experience, even if the calorie count is slightly higher.
For more details on different spirit bases, check out our guide on spirit types and flavors at Flavorsuggest.com.
How to Serve and Pair Your Long Drink
You cannot just drink this warm. The temperature is critical to the flavor perception.
The correct way to serve a Finnish long drink is poured over plenty of ice in a tall glass. The dilution from the melting ice helps mellow the sweetness of the grapefruit soda, bringing the botanical notes of the gin forward. If you drink it straight from the can, it is good, but you miss the aromatic opening that happens in a glass.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Salty Foods: The acidity cuts through fat perfectly. Try it with french fries, fried chicken, or buttery popcorn.
- Spicy Foods: The sweetness creates a cooling effect against Thai curries or spicy wings.
- Sauna: If you want the full experience, drink it after a sweat session. It is the traditional recovery drink for a reason.
Market Trends: Why is the Long Drink Exploding Now?
The rise of the long drink in America is not an accident. It aligns perfectly with the “Ready-to-Drink” (RTD) cocktail boom. According to recent market analysis, the RTD category has been one of the fastest-growing segments in alcohol, driven by consumers wanting premium experiences at home source: IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
Consumers are becoming more educated. They are reading labels. They know the difference between “malt beverage” and “spirits-based.” As people search for long drink flavors ranked, they are really searching for quality. The “Blue Can” (The Finnish Long Drink company) capitalized on this by partnering with high-profile investors like actor Miles Teller and DJ Kygo, pushing the brand into the mainstream spotlight.
Furthermore, the history of the 1952 Olympics gives the drink a story source: Hartwall History. In an age of manufactured brands, heritage matters. People like drinking something that has a reason to exist.
Conclusion
The long drink is more than just a trend; it is a correction of the canned cocktail market. It proves that convenience doesn’t have to taste cheap. Whether you are exploring the tartness of the Zero sugar version or hunting down the original Hartwall cans, the category offers a refreshing departure from the monotony of seltzers.
If you are still wondering what does long drink taste like, the only real way to know is to grab a pack, find some ice, and crack one open. Just be careful—they go down much faster than you think.
FAQ: Common Long Drink Questions
Q: Is a long drink just a gin and tonic?
A: No. While both use gin, a G&T uses quinine-based tonic water which is bitter. A long drink uses grapefruit soda, making it tart, citrusy, and sweeter than a G&T.
Q: Does long drink have gluten?
A: Generally, yes, it is gluten-free. Because it is made with distilled gin and fruit soda, it does not contain the wheat or barley found in beer. Always check the specific can to be sure.
Q: How much alcohol is in a Finnish long drink?
A: The traditional standard is 5.5% ABV. However, “Strong” variations can go up to 8.5% ABV, and some lighter versions sit around 5%.
Q: Why is the liquid inside cloudy?
A: The cloudiness is natural. It comes from the grapefruit juice essences and the oils in the gin (known as the “louche” effect). It is a visual sign of flavor and quality.
Q: Can I make a long drink with vodka?
A: You can, but it technically isn’t a traditional “lonkero.” The gin is essential because the juniper flavor bridges the gap between the alcohol and the grapefruit. Vodka makes it taste just like soda source: Gin Foundry.
Q: Where can I buy Finnish long drinks in the US?
A: They are now available in most major liquor stores, widely in grocery chains like Kroger and Whole Foods, and increasingly in bars. The brand “The Finnish Long Drink” has the widest distribution.
Q: What is the best glass to serve it in?
A: A Collins glass (tall and narrow) is ideal. It preserves the carbonation longer and allows room for plenty of ice, which keeps the drink at the optimal serving temperature.
