Last Updated: November 10, 2026
The Long Drink is a Finnish-style highball that combines gin with grapefruit soda, a pairing that has been popular in Finland for decades. In the United States, a canned version brought the style to a wider audience and introduced fruit variations. Because the lineup is smaller than most canned drinks, this list covers six styles, mixing the best-known cans with the flavor directions drinkers commonly associate with the category.
Ranking Criteria
- Flavor profile: how balanced and recognizable the flavor is.
- Versatility: how well it works with different foods and settings.
- Broad appeal: how many drinkers will probably enjoy it.
- Availability: how often it appears at stores, bars and events.
Lineups and formulas vary by region and season, and alcohol strength differs between products. Please drink responsibly.
The Countdown
6. Blueberry-Style Long Drink
A blueberry direction brings a darker, jammy fruit note to the format. Variants like this appear as limited or regional releases, so it is hard to find consistently. It is best considered a specialty experience instead of a staple.
5. Lime-Style Long Drink
Lime keeps the gin-and-soda structure but leans toward a sharp, clean citrus profile. It is a common home-mixing variation, and fans of gin and tonic often prefer it. Because it is less standardized, it ranks lower.
4. Zero Sugar
The Zero Sugar version aims to preserve the original grapefruit character while using sweeteners. It attracts drinkers who prefer a drier finish. Since it tracks closely with the original, it falls just behind the sweeter, fruit-forward cans.
3. Strawberry
Strawberry adds a soft berry sweetness to the format, producing a lighter and more summery drink. It tends to appeal to people who find grapefruit too bitter. The fruit-forward concept makes it a good gateway can.
2. Cranberry
Cranberry delivers a tart, slightly tangy fruit flavor that pairs well with cool weather and festive gatherings. It balances sweet and sour, and it brings more variety to a mixed pack of cans.
1. Traditional (Grapefruit)
The Traditional style centers on grapefruit and is the heart of the category. Bittersweet citrus, gentle fizz and a gin backbone make it refreshing and easy to understand. Authenticity and wide distribution place it at the top.
Quick-Reference Table
| Rank | Style | Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Traditional | Grapefruit, gin | First-time drinkers |
| 2 | Cranberry | Tart, tangy | Holiday gatherings |
| 3 | Strawberry | Soft, sweet berry | Summer days |
| 4 | Zero Sugar | Drier citrus | Dry-finish fans |
| 5 | Lime-style | Sharp, clean | Gin and tonic fans |
| 6 | Blueberry-style | Dark, jammy | Specialty tastes |
Making Your Own at Home
The structure is simple: gin, a grapefruit-flavored soda, and ice, served in a tall glass. Swapping the soda for a lime or berry version is a fast way to explore other styles. Adding a thin slice of citrus gives a nice aroma and a more finished look.
The Idea Behind the Finnish Long Drink
The long drink is a tall, easy highball: gin mixed with a grapefruit-flavored soda, served cold. Its appeal lies in simplicity. There is no shaking or muddling involved, and the drink delivers a light bitterness from grapefruit, gentle sweetness and a crisp finish. In Finland, the drink is considered a casual, everyday option, often enjoyed at saunas, summer cottages and gatherings.
The American canned version borrowed that spirit and made it portable. Variations that swap grapefruit for cranberry or strawberry follow the same basic structure but change the mood. Lime and berry directions are popular among home mixers because they require only a different soda or juice.
Making Variations at Home
- Classic: Pour gin over ice and top with grapefruit soda.
- Cranberry twist: Add a splash of cranberry juice and a lime wedge.
- Berry cooler: Muddle a few strawberries, then add gin and lemon-lime soda.
- No-alcohol version: Use grapefruit soda with a splash of tonic and a sprig of rosemary.
Chill the glasses and sodas ahead of time and use plenty of ice. The drink is meant to be sipped over a longer period, so a tall glass helps keep it lively.
Pairing and Serving
The grapefruit style pairs naturally with salty snacks, seafood, salads and grilled vegetables. Sweeter fruit variations suit light desserts and cheese plates. Because the category is small, availability differs widely, and some shops stock only one or two flavors. If you are looking for a particular can, check local liquor retailers, since distribution depends on state and regional rules.
Shopping Notes
The canned category is still relatively small, so availability depends heavily on location. Specialty liquor stores are the best place to look, and some bars serve the drink on tap or by the can. Keep cans cold and check the label for alcohol content before serving.
The bottom line: begin with the Traditional grapefruit style, move to Cranberry or Strawberry if you want something fruitier, and try Zero Sugar if you like a drier drink. At home, the same structure lets you explore endless variations. Please drink responsibly.
FAQ
What is a long drink?
It is a Finnish highball built from gin and grapefruit soda, originally created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics according to common accounts.
Which flavor should I try first?
Start with the Traditional grapefruit style, since it defines the category.
Is the canned version available everywhere?
No. Distribution depends on local regulations and retailers, and the number of flavors differs by region.
How should I serve it?
Serve cold, poured over ice if you like, with a slice of citrus. Please drink responsibly.
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