The Finnish Long Drink Recipe

Long Drink

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Select a highball or Collins glass (about 350–400 ml). Fill the glass with large ice cubes to chill it while you prepare the drink.

2. 2

   Muddle aromatics (optional)

   If using juniper berries for extra aromatic character, lightly crush 2 juniper berries in the palm of a hand or with the back of a spoon and add them to a mixing glass. Gently muddle once—do not pulverize—just to release a hint of aroma.

3. 3

   Build and mix

   In a cocktail shaker (no need to shake with soda) or mixing glass, add the gin (60 ml), fresh grapefruit juice (90 ml), and fresh lemon juice (7.5 ml). Add the lightly crushed juniper berries if used. Add 2–3 medium ice cubes and stir briskly for about 10–15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the mixture.

4. 4

   Assemble the drink

   Discard the ice from the chilled highball glass if it has become watery, then refill the glass with fresh large ice cubes. Strain the gin-grapefruit-lemon mixture into the glass over the fresh ice.

5. 5

   Top with soda

   Gently top the strained mixture with chilled club soda (90 ml). Pour slowly along the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon to preserve effervescence and ensure an even mix.

6. 6

   Finish and garnish

   Express the grapefruit zest over the drink by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a quick twist to release oils (optional). Garnish with a grapefruit wheel on the rim and a sprig of rosemary or mint for aroma. If you used juniper berries, you can drop one into the drink for visual aroma.

7. 7

   Serve

   Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer so the drinker can adjust dilution. This recipe contains no added sugar; sweetness comes only from the natural sugars in the fresh grapefruit juice.