FINLAND'S NATIONAL DRINK, THE LONG DRINK

Few remember that Finland's beloved long drink was invented because of a sporting event. A record number of international visitors was expected for the 1952 Olympics, and the state alcohol company Alko asked Hartwall to produce ready-mixed long drinks, so that bars and restaurants could avoid the worst queues when tourists rushed in to ease the tension of the games and the thirst of the summer heat.

Long drink originally meant any lengthened alcoholic drink mixed in the glass. In Finland, the long drink – lonkero, as it's fondly called – has since become the name of a gin-based drink.

The long drink was only meant to be sold during the summer games, but Finns fell in love with the combination of gin and grapefruit juice. Today it's practically the national drink, and there are many flavours to choose from.