{"product_id":"long-drink-strong-citrus-cocktail-6pk","title":"Long Drink Strong Citrus Cocktail 6PK","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong Drink Strong Citrus Cocktail 6PK\u003c\/strong\u003e is a gin-based ready-to-drink cocktail at 8.5% ABV, sold as a six-pack of 12 oz cans. Rooted in the Finnish \"lonkero\" tradition born at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics, this Strong Citrus expression packs 55% more alcohol than the brand's Traditional variant while maintaining a crisp, grapefruit-driven profile. Forbes has recognized The Long Drink among top ready-to-drink cocktails, and Liquor.com rated it 4.5 stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 8.5%  |  Origin: Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, USA  |  Style: Strong Citrus RTD  |  Base Spirit: Gin with Natural Flavors\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Long Drink traces its inspiration to 1952 Helsinki, when Finland needed to serve massive crowds during the Summer Olympics. Finnish bartenders solved the problem by pre-mixing gin with citrus soda, creating what Finns call \"lonkero\" — now the most popular alcoholic beverage category in Finland. The American version is produced in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, using gin blended with natural citrus flavors. The Strong Citrus expression dials up the ABV to 8.5% while remaining all-natural and gluten free, distinguishing it from many competing RTD cocktails that rely on malt bases or artificial ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh grapefruit zest leads immediately, followed by a faint whisper of juniper from the gin base. The overall impression is bright and clean, more reminiscent of fresh-squeezed citrus than artificial soda.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grapefruit dominates from the first sip, delivering a tart, juicy punch that reads as natural rather than syrupy. Mid-palate, the gin backbone emerges with a light juniper note that keeps the sweetness in check. At 8.5% ABV, there is a noticeable warmth that the Traditional version lacks, giving the drink more weight and presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and moderately dry, with lingering grapefruit pith bitterness. The juniper fades quickly, leaving a refreshing citrus snap that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Long Drink Strong Citrus\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrink it straight from the can, well chilled — the carbonation and balance are designed to stand on their own without additional mixing. A wedge of fresh grapefruit or lime squeezed over ice in a highball glass elevates the presentation. For cocktail use, try these approaches:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePaloma Riff:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour over ice with a salted rim and a squeeze of lime — the grapefruit base makes it a natural fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCitrus Shandy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix 50\/50 with a light wheat beer for a low-effort summer hybrid with layered carbonation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong Drink Spritz:\u003c\/strong\u003e Top with a splash of Aperol and a sprig of rosemary — the bitter grapefruit pairs naturally with the Italian aperitivo profile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a cooler for outdoor barbecues or tailgates where convenience matters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to the Finnish lonkero tradition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplacing sugary hard seltzers with a fuller-flavored, gin-based alternative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a conversation-starting RTD to a gathering of craft cocktail enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Long Drink Strong Citrus taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It tastes predominantly of fresh, tart grapefruit with a subtle juniper backbone from the gin base. The flavor is natural and crisp rather than sweet, with a noticeable alcoholic warmth from its 8.5% ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Long Drink Strong Citrus compare to Fresca?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Traditional Long Drink is often compared to Fresca for its similar grapefruit soda character, but the Strong Citrus version diverges with significantly more alcohol (8.5% vs. Fresca's 0%) and a more pronounced bitter citrus edge balanced by real gin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Long Drink Strong Citrus good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — it is specifically formulated as a complete, ready-to-drink cocktail meant to be consumed straight from the can or poured over ice, requiring no additional ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Long Drink Strong Citrus made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Long Drink Strong Citrus is produced in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, USA, though the recipe is inspired by the Finnish lonkero tradition that originated during the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Long Drink Strong Citrus?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled shrimp or fish tacos complement the bright grapefruit notes. Smoked salmon works well against the juniper undertone. Sharp cheeses like aged cheddar balance the citrus tartness. Thai or Vietnamese dishes with lemongrass and chili mirror the drink's citrus intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Long Drink Strong Citrus come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Strong Citrus expression is commonly available in a six-pack of 12 oz cans, which is the standard retail format for the brand's lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Long Drink Strong Citrus worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium RTD cocktail within the ready-to-drink category, justified by its real gin base, all-natural ingredients, gluten-free formulation, and higher 8.5% ABV — delivering more spirit per can than most competing hard seltzers and malt-based RTDs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Long Drink Strong Citrus?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Finnish lonkero is not a marketing gimmick — it is genuinely one of the top-selling alcohol categories in Finland, and The Long Drink is the brand that brought it to the American market. The Strong Citrus variant stands apart from the crowded RTD field by using an actual gin base rather than malt or vodka, which gives it a more complex, juniper-laced backbone that cheap hard seltzers cannot replicate. At 8.5% ABV, it delivers nearly double the alcohol of most competing canned cocktails while staying gluten free and made with all-natural flavors. For drinkers tired of watery seltzers and artificially sweetened RTDs, this is one of the more honest options on the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Long Drink","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49818814972042,"sku":"35925","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0624\/7117\/6330\/files\/Long-Drink-Strong-Citrus-Cocktail__53029.jpg?v=1785426257","url":"https:\/\/bottlestork.com\/products\/long-drink-strong-citrus-cocktail-6pk","provider":"BottleStork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}