Miles Teller Brings His Beverage Brand to Ontario With a Bar Crawl
Actor Miles Teller touched down in Toronto this week, not for a film shoot, but for something a little more casual—launching his alcoholic beverage brand in Ontario. As part of the debut for The Finnish Long Drink, a ready-to-drink cocktail now available in LCBO stores, Teller hit the streets with a bar crawl that brought fans and curious locals face-to-face with the Hollywood name behind the can.
Although it may sound strange—a Finnish-inspired drink, created in America, now made in Canada—Teller leaned into that blend. He said the mix actually helped make the launch more personal. “Canada deserves to have a product that is made in Canada,” Teller said in an interview with BlogTO. “That was really important for us. I think it just helps when people are drinking something or eating something, when it feels like it’s made there.”
From Movie Set to Bar Crawl
Rather than rely on ads or interviews alone, Teller decided to join a bar crawl to promote the brand directly. It wasn’t just for show. The actor spent time shaking hands, posing for photos, and ordering drinks alongside the crowd. According to Yahoo News Canada, he made stops across Toronto’s downtown, chatting with bartenders and customers about the drink’s origins.
While most celebrity launches happen behind velvet ropes, this one played out in regular bars, with regular people. That approach made the launch stand out, especially in a city with a packed event calendar.
What is The Finnish Long Drink?
Teller’s version of the drink stays close to the original idea, but makes it easier to grab off a shelf or behind the bar. And with the LCBO rollout, it’s officially a part of Ontario’s growing selection of ready-to-drink options.
- Originally inspired by a cocktail created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics
- Combines citrus soda and a juniper-based alcohol
- Comes in different flavours, but the classic is clean and crisp with a slight gin taste
- Manufactured in Canada for the Ontario market
Why Ontario, and Why Now?
According to Black Star News, the Canadian launch came together while Miles Teller was living in Vancouver for a project in 2024. That stretch of time helped him understand the market, but more importantly, it gave him space to think about local production. By choosing to manufacture in Canada, the team behind The Finnish Long Drink avoided shipping delays and reinforced their goal of keeping things local.
Launching in Ontario made sense—Toronto is one of the most diverse and influential food and drink hubs in the country. If something gains traction here, it tends to move across Canada quickly. His appearance wasn’t just for fans. It was a way to build buzz in a place that could help the brand scale.
What People Are Saying
Local reactions have been mixed, but mostly curious and positive. Some are still figuring out what a “long drink” is, while others seem excited about a new canned cocktail option.
Benita D., a bartender at one of the stops during the crawl, said, “People were surprised he showed up. He was friendly, didn’t make a big deal about it, just ordered his own drink and talked to people. It didn’t feel like a promo, more like a hangout.”
Teller’s Toronto launch didn’t come with fireworks or red carpets. Instead, it leaned on face-to-face moments, small bars, and good timing. With the LCBO rollout now underway, The Finnish Long Drink enters Ontario’s busy beverage scene with the added push of a recognizable name who’s willing to show up, not just sign off. Whether that approach keeps momentum going remains to be seen—but for now, it’s got people talking, drinking, and asking what’s in the can.
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