Coffee, blueberry juice, and the Long Drink are everywhere in Finland. From the comforting warmth of coffee in the morning, to the sweet refreshment of blueberry juice during the day, to the light sparkle of a Long Drink in the evening these three drinks have quickly become one of my favorite parts of life in Finland.
Kahvi (Coffee)
We all know coffee, but did you know Finns drink more of it
than anyone else in the world? According to Google statistics, on
average, each person consumes about 26 pounds (12 kg) per year, which
works out to roughly 4–5 cups a day. That’s a lot of coffee!
Jason and I both enjoy our daily cup (or two), but this
takes the coffee break to a whole new level. In case you’re wondering, we’ve
stuck to our usual mid-morning mugs; No increase in coffe consumption....yet.
Mustikkamehu (Blueberry Juice)
Blueberry juice is everywhere in Finland—and it’s delicious. Serving it is a long-standing Finnish tradition. In fact, when you fly Finnair, the attendants will offer you a glass. (Pro tip: say yes!)It’s quickly become my new favorite drink. I have a glass
almost every day—so yummy and refreshing!
Long Drinks
According to their webpage, the Long Drink was
created for the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics, when Finland’s government
wanted an easy-to-serve cocktail for tourists and athletes. It was such a hit
that production never stopped, and today it’s a Finnish classic, enjoyed at
festivals, parties, and cozy evenings alike.
The original flavor combines gin with sweet citrus and
bubbles. While the lemonade version is the traditional one, other flavors are available. Grapefruit and cranberry are two of our favorites.
As a longtime fan of gin and tonics, I took to the Long Drink instantly. It’s similar, but not the same—lighter, fizzier, and already perfectly mixed in the can. No prep needed, just sip and enjoy!
So here’s to sipping in Finland—whether it’s kahvi, mustikkamehu, or a Long Drink.
Kippis! (Cheers!)
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