Is the Long Drink Gluten-Free? A Guide to Finnish Tradition

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Long Drink website, all their products are gluten-free. This delicious and popular canned cocktail, a staple in Finland, is made with distilled spirit, which, regardless of the grain source, removes the gluten during the distillation process.

Quick Summary

The Long Drink, including all its varieties, is gluten-free because it is made with distilled spirit, not a malt base like many hard seltzers. Distillation purifies the alcohol, removing gluten proteins. This makes it a safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Key Points

Officially Certified: The Long Drink company explicitly confirms all its products are gluten-free.
Distilled Alcohol Base: The primary alcohol in the Long Drink is gin, a distilled spirit where the distillation process effectively removes all gluten proteins.
Safe for Celiac Disease: Its production method makes it a safe option for individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Not a Malt Beverage: Unlike some hard seltzers, the Long Drink is not made from a fermented malt base, which can contain gluten.
Consistent Across Flavors: All varieties, including Traditional, Cranberry, Peach, and Zero Sugar, are gluten-free.
Clear Labeling: The product packaging is clearly labeled to ensure consumer confidence regarding its gluten-free status.

Understanding the Long Drink's Gluten-Free Status

The Long Drink, or lonkero as it's known in Finland, is a popular ready-to-drink cocktail with a long history. It was originally created for the 1952 Helsinki Summer Games to serve tourists quickly. The key to understanding its gluten-free status lies in its core ingredients and production method.

The Role of Distilled Gin

Unlike beer or malt-based beverages, the Long Drink is made with real gin. Gin is a distilled spirit, and the distillation process is crucial for removing gluten. Even if the original grain mash used to create the spirit contains wheat, barley, or rye, distillation separates the alcohol and volatile compounds from the non-volatile proteins, including gluten. The result is a pure, gluten-free spirit.

Comparison to Malt-Based Beverages

Many canned alcoholic beverages, particularly some hard seltzers, use a fermented malt base, which contains gluten unless specifically labeled as gluten-removed or gluten-free. This makes the Long Drink a more reliable choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who need to avoid all gluten sources. The use of a premium distilled spirit, rather than a cheaper malt base, sets it apart.

Official Confirmation from The Long Drink Company

The Long Drink Company explicitly states on its website and on its product packaging that all its products are gluten-free. This is an essential assurance for consumers, especially those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease who cannot risk any cross-contamination. Third-party retailers also confirm this information on their product listings.

Varieties of The Long Drink and their Gluten-Free Status

All varieties of The Long Drink are confirmed to be gluten-free. The main flavors available in the US include:

Traditional Citrus: The classic combination of gin and grapefruit soda.
Strong: A higher alcohol content version of the Traditional Citrus.
Cranberry: A popular flavor variation with a cranberry twist.
Peach: Another fruity, gluten-free option.
Zero Sugar Citrus: A low-calorie, zero-carb version that is also gluten-free and keto-friendly.

Each of these flavors maintains its gluten-free integrity due to the distilled gin base.

The Importance of Labeling and Certification

For those with celiac disease, relying on labeled gluten-free products is the safest approach. The Long Drink's clear labeling provides confidence. While distillation technically removes gluten from spirits, flavored versions can sometimes have additives that contain gluten. However, The Long Drink Company and other brands like Loncaro confirm their commitment to all-natural, gluten-free ingredients.

Are Other Similar Drinks Gluten-Free?

While The Long Drink is confirmed gluten-free, other ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are not always safe. It is crucial to check the specific product and manufacturer information. Hard seltzers, for example, can be malt-based and therefore contain gluten, or they can be made from a gluten-free sugar or grain source. Likewise, some cocktails might be made with ingredients that contain gluten.

Comparing Gluten-Free Alcohol Options


Beverage Type	Production Method	Potential Gluten Source	Is it Gluten-Free?	Long Drink Example	Other Examples
The Long Drink	Distilled spirit (gin) + natural flavors	None	Yes	Traditional, Cranberry, Peach, Zero Sugar	N/A
Distilled Spirits	Distillation	None (removed during distillation)	Yes	Gin (the base of Long Drink)	Vodka, Rum, Tequila
Hard Seltzers	Fermented sugar or malt	Malt (barley), depending on brand	Varies	N/A	White Claw (sugar-based), some malt-based brands
Beer (Traditional)	Fermented malted barley or wheat	Malted barley/wheat	No	N/A	Standard Lager, Stout, Ale
Gluten-Free Beer	Fermented gluten-free grains	None	Yes	N/A	Redbridge, New Grist
Wine	Fermented grapes	None (unless fining agents added)	Yes	N/A	Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco

Conclusion

For anyone seeking a reliable and delicious gluten-free canned cocktail, the answer is yes: the Long Drink is gluten-free. Its use of a distilled gin base, combined with explicit company confirmation, makes it a safe choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. By choosing The Long Drink, consumers can enjoy the classic Finnish taste without worrying about gluten contamination. Always check the label, but with this product, you can sip with confidence.

Optional Outbound Link: For more information about gluten-free alcohol, consult the National Celiac Association's guide: https://nationalceliac.org/alcohol-on-the-gluten-free-diet/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the original Traditional Citrus flavor of The Long Drink is gluten-free. The company has confirmed that all its products are made with a distilled gin base, which contains no gluten.

The Long Drink is a canned cocktail made with real liquor (gin), natural flavors, and citrus soda. The classic flavor combines grapefruit and juniper berry flavors with the gin base.

The main difference is the alcohol base. The Long Drink is made with distilled gin, whereas many hard seltzers use a fermented malt or sugar base. The use of distilled gin makes the Long Drink naturally gluten-free.

Yes, people with celiac disease can safely drink the Long Drink. The distillation process removes gluten, and the company explicitly states its products are gluten-free.

Yes, all flavored varieties of The Long Drink, including Cranberry, Peach, and Zero Sugar, are confirmed to be gluten-free by the manufacturer.

Yes, the process of distillation is a purification method that removes gluten proteins from spirits. Even if the spirit is made from a gluten-containing grain like wheat, the final product is gluten-free.

Always check the product label for a 'gluten-free' claim, especially if you have celiac disease. In the case of spirits, distillation removes gluten, but additives or flavorings could potentially introduce it, so confirmed labels like The Long Drink's are the safest choice.