If you’re looking for the definitive ranking of Long Drink flavors, I’ve tasted them all and Peach stands out as the clear winner. After spending weeks sampling every variety, I can tell you that this Finnish canned cocktail phenomenon has something for everyone – from fruit lovers to gin purists.
Whether you’re curious about this trending ready-to-drink cocktail or wondering which can to grab for your next patio session, I’ll walk you through every flavor currently available. My rankings are based on taste, balance, authenticity, and how each compares to the traditional Finnish recipe that started it all.
This isn’t just another canned cocktail – Long Drink (or lonkero as the Finns call it) has a fascinating history dating back to the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. But let’s get to what you really want to know: which flavors are worth your time and which ones you can skip.
Table of Contents
What Is a Finnish Long Drink?
A Finnish Long Drink is a gin-based cocktail that’s been canned for convenience, but calling it just another hard seltzer would be missing the point. Unlike malt-based alternatives, Long Drink uses actual gin blended with grapefruit and juniper for a authentic cocktail experience that’s been a Finnish staple for over 70 years.
The original recipe was created during the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki when Finland needed a refreshing drink that could be served quickly to thirsty tourists. What started as a temporary solution became a national obsession – today, Finns drink millions of cases annually and the concept of pantsdrunk (kalsarikänni – drinking at home in your underwear) celebrates this beloved beverage.
The US version you find in stores now comes from The Finnish Long Drink Company, backed by celebrities like Miles Teller. While authentic Finnish versions like Hartwall Original are available in Europe, the American cans capture the essence of lonkero with some slight variations in sweetness. Many cocktail beginners find Long Drink to be the perfect gateway into more complex gin drinks.
All Long Drink Flavors Available
Before diving into the rankings, here’s what you’ll find on store shelves. Long Drink comes in seven main varieties with different alcohol contents and nutritional profiles. Regular varieties clock in at 5.5% ABV while the Strong option bumps it up to 8.5%.
The lineup includes Traditional Citrus, Cranberry, Peach, Pineapple, Zero Sugar Citrus, Zero Sugar Peach, and Strong Citrus. Zero sugar options use artificial sweeteners to cut calories while maintaining the classic flavor profile. Each 12-ounce can delivers between 99-150 calories depending on the variety.
Long Drink Flavors Ranked
7. Zero Sugar Pineapple
Zero Sugar Pineapple lands at the bottom of my rankings because it struggles with the same issue affecting many zero sugar beverages – the artificial sweetener aftertaste clashes with the tropical fruit notes. While I appreciate the effort to expand the flavor lineup, pineapple’s natural sweetness needs real sugar to shine.
The gin backbone is still there, and at 5.5% ABV it delivers the expected kick. But the sucralose creates an odd metallic finish that lingers. If you’re watching your sugar intake strictly, this might work for you. However, I’d recommend reaching for Zero Sugar Citrus instead if you want a better zero-calorie option.
Best for: Strict sugar-free diets only. Serve ice cold to mask the aftertaste.
6. Strong Citrus
Strong Citrus at 8.5% ABV sounds great on paper – more alcohol, same classic flavor. But in practice, the higher alcohol content creates a harsh, boozy finish that overpowers the delicate grapefruit and juniper balance that makes Long Drink special.
Think of this less as a refined cocktail and more as a utility drink for when you want faster results. The traditional citrus flavor profile is there, but it’s fighting against the heat of extra alcohol. Reddit users consistently describe this as “alcohol for alcohol’s sake” rather than an enjoyable drinking experience.
Best for: Tailgates or occasions where you need higher alcohol content in fewer cans. Check out more portable cocktails for outdoor events.
5. Zero Sugar Citrus
Zero Sugar Citrus is a solid option for those cutting calories, but you’ll notice the artificial sweetener. The classic grapefruit-gin combination still works well, and compared to Zero Sugar Pineapple, the citrus profile masks the sucralose much better.
At 99 calories per can, it’s an attractive option if you’re tracking intake. The flavor is close enough to Traditional Citrus that most people won’t notice a major difference unless drinking them side by side. Still, I can’t rank it higher when the regular version tastes more authentic.
Best for: Weight-conscious drinkers who want the classic Long Drink experience with fewer calories.
4. Traditional Citrus
Traditional Citrus is where Long Drink started, and it remains the benchmark for everything else. This blue-can original captures the authentic lonkero experience with refreshing grapefruit, subtle juniper, and clean gin notes that Finns have enjoyed since the 1950s.
Why isn’t it ranked higher? Because while Traditional Citrus is excellent, the newer fruit varieties have pushed the boundaries. This is still the perfect choice if you want the most authentic Finnish experience, and many Reddit purists argue it’s the only true Long Drink. Hartwall Original in Finland reportedly has a slightly less sweet profile, but the US version nails the essential elements.
Best for: First-time Long Drink drinkers and purists who want the original 1952 recipe experience.
3. Zero Sugar Peach
Zero Sugar Peach surprised me with how well it balances artificial sweetener against delicate fruit flavor. Peach is naturally subtle, and somehow the zero sugar formulation works better here than with pineapple. The result is a light, refreshing drink that doesn’t taste artificial.
The gin backbone supports the peach notes without overwhelming them, creating what feels like a real cocktail rather than a flavored malt beverage. If you’re avoiding sugar but want something more interesting than Traditional Citrus, this is your best bet. It’s particularly good over ice on hot summer days.
Best for: Low-sugar dieters who still want a premium, fruit-forward cocktail experience.
2. Cranberry
Cranberry Long Drink is a masterclass in balance – tart enough to be interesting, sweet enough to be approachable, with the classic gin-juniper foundation shining through. Many first-time drinkers expect it to taste like cranberry juice cocktail, but it’s more sophisticated with real cranberry tartness.
This variety has gained a passionate following on Reddit’s alcohol communities, with users praising it as “way better than expected” and “perfectly balanced.” It works beautifully as a fruity cocktail that doesn’t feel overly sweet. The cranberry adds complexity without masking the gin character.
Best for: Those who enjoy tart fruit flavors and want a sophisticated alternative to overly sweet canned cocktails.
1. Peach
Peach Long Drink is the clear winner and the most exciting addition to the lineup. The peach flavor is natural and refreshing, complementing rather than overwhelming the gin base. Unlike some peach-flavored drinks that taste artificial, this has real fruit character with subtle sweetness and a smooth finish.
What makes Peach the best? It takes everything great about Long Drink and adds a new dimension that feels both familiar and innovative. The fruit-gin-juniper trio creates a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back. First-time drinkers and Long Drink veterans alike consistently rate Peach as their top pick, and it’s rapidly becoming the brand’s best-seller.
Best for: Anyone who enjoys sweet cocktails that don’t taste strong but still deliver sophisticated flavor.
How to Make Your Own Talon Lonkero
Can’t find Long Drink in stores or want to try a DIY version? Finnish Reddit users swear by talon lonkero (house long drink) made at home. The basic recipe is simple: mix quality gin with grapefruit soda in a 1:3 ratio and serve over ice.
For the most authentic taste, Finnish enthusiasts recommend using San Pellegrino Pompelmo grapefruit soda. It captures the bitter-sweet balance of real lonkero better than sweet American grapefruit sodas. The beauty of making it yourself is adjusting ratios to your taste – more gin if you want it stronger, less if you prefer something lighter.
This homemade approach is how many Reddit users discovered their love for gin-based cocktails. One user mentioned, “Long Drink is what got me into gin! I tasted it at a Brew Fest and then couldn’t find it in any stores so I started making my own.”
How to Enjoy Long Drink
The golden rule for serving Long Drink is ice cold, always. I’ve tested this extensively – a room temperature Long Drink is a completely different (and inferior) experience. Pour it over plenty of ice and let it chill for a few minutes before drinking.
Summer patio sessions and beach days are Long Drink’s natural habitat. The light, refreshing profile makes it perfect for hot weather, though Cranberry and Peach work well year-round as easy cocktail alternatives for lazy nights.
Can you mix Long Drink into cocktails? Absolutely. The traditional citrus variety makes an excellent base for spritzes when topped with prosecco, and Cranberry pairs beautifully with vodka for a punchier take. Think of Long Drink as a versatile building block rather than just a ready-to-drink option.
Long Drink vs. Hard Seltzers
Many people ask if Long Drink is just another hard seltzer like White Claw or High Noon. The key difference is the ingredients: Long Drink uses real gin with natural flavors while many hard seltzers use malt liquor bases with artificial flavoring.
This distinction matters for taste. Long Drink has the botanical complexity of gin – juniper, citrus peel, and other herbs – that creates a more sophisticated drinking experience. You’re getting a real cocktail that happens to come in a can, not a flavored malt beverage disguised as something premium.
That said, Long Drink is priced higher than domestic hard seltzers, which is worth considering if you’re buying in bulk for parties. For everyday drinking or when you want something special, the premium ingredients justify the cost.
FAQs
Which Long Drink flavor is the best?
Peach is the best Long Drink flavor based on taste tests and popularity. It offers natural fruit flavor that complements rather than overpowers the gin base. Cranberry and Traditional Citrus are close runners-up depending on your preference for tart or classic flavors.
What flavors does Long Drink have?
Long Drink comes in seven varieties: Traditional Citrus (the original), Cranberry, Peach, Pineapple, Zero Sugar Citrus, Zero Sugar Peach, and Strong Citrus. Regular varieties are 5.5% ABV while Strong Citrus is 8.5% ABV. Zero sugar options use artificial sweeteners to reduce calories.
What are the most popular Long Drink flavors?
Peach and Cranberry are currently the most popular Long Drink flavors based on sales and consumer reviews. Traditional Citrus remains the classic choice and best-seller in Finland. Newer fruit varieties like Peach are rapidly gaining popularity in the US market.
What is a Finnish Long Drink?
A Finnish Long Drink (lonkero) is a gin-based cocktail created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. It combines Finnish gin with grapefruit soda and juniper for a refreshing ready-to-drink beverage. The drink became a Finnish cultural phenomenon and has been popular in Finland for over 70 years.
Final Thoughts on Long Drink Flavors Ranked
After tasting all seven Long Drink flavors extensively, my ranking holds: Peach leads the pack for its natural flavor and perfect balance, followed closely by Cranberry’s sophisticated tartness. Traditional Citrus remains essential for understanding what Long Drink is all about, while the zero sugar options offer solid alternatives for calorie-conscious drinkers.
The bottom line? Start with Peach if you’re new to Long Drink flavors. It’s the most universally appealing and represents the brand’s evolution beyond the original recipe. But don’t stop there – grab a variety pack and taste your way through the lineup to find your personal favorite.
Long Drink fills a unique space in the ready-to-drink market by offering authentic cocktail flavor with convenience. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast, hard seltzer convert, or just curious about Finnish drinking culture, there’s a Long Drink flavor waiting for you.