I went looking for the recipe for a tequila sunrise (International Bartenders Association standard: grenadine, orange juice, tequila) when I discovered the term “long drink,” the class of beverage to which the aforementioned Tequila Sunrise belongs. A long drink is usually served in a highball glass.

This led to the Finnish Long Drink (Thanks Wikipedia!) which is gin and, most commonly, grapefruit soda. I have not seen grapefruit soda in a store since I wore short pants. Now I crave the stuff and wish to mix it with spirits. A quest may be in order. (Edit: Alert Reader Robert informed me that Squirt is a name brand of grapefruit soda! This quest will be a success!)

For tonight, it will be Bushmills Malt, 10 year, neat. I’m moving in a month (or so) and I intend not to move bottles. When I arrive in Texas, I shall skype all of my local grocers and determine the closest establishment where a man may procure grapefruit soda.

-Peter

P.S. From Wikipedia: “In Finland, the term “long drink” or lonkero (which also means “tentacle“) refers exclusively to a mixed drink made from gin and, most commonly, grapefruit soda. Originally developed for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, as of 2007 the Hartwall Original Gin Long Drink remains the most popular single product sold by Finnish state monopoly Alko, outselling even Koskenkorva, the most popular Finnish spirit.”