The Long Drink is a refreshing and unique beverage that combines the flavors of grapefruit and juniper berry with gin, creating a delightful and easy-to-drink canned cocktail. Unlike many hard seltzers on the market that are based on fermented sugar, The Long Drink is actually made with real gin, which sets it apart in terms of both taste and quality.
Gin, as many people know, is a distilled spirit that is primarily flavored with juniper berries. It has a long and fascinating history, with its origins dating back to the 17th century in the Netherlands. The spirit is created by distilling a fermented grain mash, typically made from barley, corn, rye, or wheat, and then infusing it with various botanicals, the most prominent of which is juniper.
Juniper berries are what give gin its distinctive flavor profile, with their piney, citrusy, and slightly sweet notes. These berries are harvested from juniper trees and are essential in creating the complex and aromatic character of gin. The use of juniper berries in gin production can be traced back to their medicinal properties, as they were believed to have diuretic and digestive benefits.
In the case of The Long Drink, the flavors of grapefruit and juniper berry are artfully blended with gin to create a truly unique taste experience. The grapefruit adds a bright and tangy citrus note, complementing the juniper berry's piney and aromatic qualities. This combination not only enhances the overall flavor profile but also adds a refreshing and thirst-quenching element to the drink.
The Long Drink has a fascinating origin story, as it was first created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. The goal was to provide a memorable and enjoyable beverage for the influx of tourists visiting the city during the games. The drink quickly gained popularity and became a beloved Finnish classic, known for its crisp and invigorating taste.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating The Long Drink. The use of real gin as the base alcohol ensures that the drink maintains the integrity and complexity of the spirit, without relying solely on fermented sugar for its flavor. This distinction sets The Long Drink apart from many other canned cocktails on the market, offering a more authentic and satisfying drinking experience.
The Long Drink is a canned cocktail that combines the flavors of grapefruit and juniper berry with gin. It is distinguished by its use of real gin as the base alcohol, creating a more authentic and flavorful beverage compared to many other hard seltzers. The infusion of grapefruit and juniper berry adds a unique twist to the classic gin taste, resulting in a refreshing and enjoyable drink that can be enjoyed straight from the can.