Meet aSPLASH: The Short Story of our Crafted Citrus Long Drink

Ohio crafted is what we do. Since 1988, we’ve brewed fresh, flavor-forward, consistent, and innovative craft beers right in the heart of it all.

That innovative spirit, paired with our own thirst to craft a wide range of delicious beverages that bring people together, has led us beyond beer with the introduction of our retro-inspired Float Shoppe THC-infused Social Sodas. Now we’re excited to share what’s next: aSPLASH crafted citrus long drink. aSPLASH is our first ever canned cocktail, made with Ohio’s own Watershed Distillery Four Peel Gin and real citrus.

What makes aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks special? How do we make them? Will you like them even if you’re not a big gin person? Read on to learn more about our latest innovation.

Four people clink blue cans labeled aSplash together in a celebratory toast, with a blue Great Lakes banner blurred in the background. — Guests at Adcom’s Share the Land Event celebrate aSPLASH’s debut. Photo by Katie Dovan.

So What is a Long Drink?
The long drink has a long history (go figure). It was created for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, in the wake of World War II. The Finnish government had a hand in its origin, calling for a quick and easy-drinking cocktail for tourists and Olympic attendees. A blend of gin and grapefruit soda, “Ionkero” or “long drink” was served pre-mixed in bottles. Simple, refreshing, not too sweet, not too boozy. And so, the legend of what’s now considered Finland’s national beverage was born. Long drink has since grown its reputation and popularity as a refreshing pre-mixed cocktail, especially in the states. And that’s where we come in.

A person pours a drink from a blue can labeled aSplash into a clear plastic cup. The person wears a dark blazer and gray shirt. — The refreshing and effervescent aSPLASH is a hit from can, glass, or cup. Photo by Katie Dovan.

How we make aSPLASH:
We call our aSPLASH canned cocktails “crafted citrus long drinks” because that’s exactly what they are. In seeking the perfect gin base for aSPLASH, we knew right away that our Columbus neighbors at Watershed Distillery had the key. Their award-winning Four Peel Gin features lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit peels. It has far more citrus character than a typical juniper-forward gin which makes it very approachable and refreshing, even for folks who don’t like (or who think they don’t like—wink wink) gin. To complement the gin’s natural citrus profile, we add real orange and grapefruit juice and flavors along with carbonated water to give aSPLASH its refreshing and sunny sip.

aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks are gluten free and made with real gin and fruit juice. Our 4% aSPLASH has just 99 calories and zero added sugar. And our 6% aSPLASH is lower sugar too. They’re not sticky sweet, and they have the perfect amount of bubbles and flavor to invite sip after sip.

Our early employee and partner taste tests told us we were onto something special, and every event since has led to more buzz. aSPLASH debuted at Adcom’s Share the Land event, where Cleveland creators got the first taste of our crafted citrus long drinks. Throughout the night we heard rave reviews: “I immediately want more.” “This is so much easier to drink than other long drinks I’ve had.” “I’m not even a gin drinker and I love the taste.”

Yep, that’s exactly what we’re going for! Safe to say it’s already making a splash.

Three women smiling with drinks stand and kneel around a golden retriever in front of a large blue can that reads asplash. All appear happy and engaged with the dog. — Guests at Share the Land including a Very Important Pooch pose with aSPLASH. Photo by Katie Dovan

Making aSPLASH for Good:
It feels great to know that after months of innovation, we’ve crafted something special with aSPLASH. What feels even better is aSPLASH’s giveback partnership. Because of the water connection with the brand, we wanted to find a great partner who could help make an impact on clean water initiatives. For that, we didn’t have to look too far at all. Enter CLEANR, a forward-thinking company formed at Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University. CLEANR invented a patented filter that attaches to laundry machines, the leading cause of microplastic pollution. CLEANR’s innovative filters have a huge impact, with so much potential to protect our waterways. To support their mission, a portion of proceeds from aSPLASH 6-pack purchases support installation of CLEANR filters at Great Lakes colleges and universities. This collaboration will help demonstrate practical ways for people to minimize their environmental impact and educate future generations on clean water issues.

Two cans of asplash crafted long drink sit on a rock by the water as waves splash behind them. The cans are labeled a splash and display different alcohol percentages, with the sea and sky in the background. — When you purchase aSPLASH, it helps fight microplastic pollution in our waterways. Photo by Marissa DeSantis.

Go Ahead, Have aSPLASH More!
aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks released this August in Ohio, and are making their way throughout the state. Check our beer finder to locate it near you, or visit our brewpub or gift shop to give it a try. Whether you’re enjoying it right from the can or in your favorite beverage glass over ice with a twist, we think you’ll love our latest crafted beverage.

And while we’re here, it’s pronounced “uh-splash”… as in, I’ll have another splash of that delicious long drink.

Two hands hold cans of Great Lakes ASplash craft long drink against a dark background, with the cans brightly lit and condensation visible on them. — The perfect canned cocktail, day or night. Or in this case, Lake Erie Emo Club’s Emo Night in our beer cellar. Photo by @see_the_mirage

Find aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks throughout Ohio using our Beer Finder, and tag us on Instagram and X next time you crack one open.

Words by: Marissa DeSantis
Photos by: Marissa DeSantis, Katie Dovan, and @see_the_mirage