Land of the Midnight Sun

The summer solstice always reminds me of Finland. I got an opportunity to go above the Arctic Circle and experience a full day when the sun did not set. I watched it hit the horizon and almost … bounce. It visibly rose again. Three am felt like 3 pm. And it stays this way for 73 days.

I learned, on that trip, that the Finns actually empty cities and restaurants close as everyone returns to nature to celebrate with friends and loved ones by the thousands of lakes in the countryside.

I went with Finlandia Vodka and celebrated the midnight sun in a field with real reindeers and ice bars where they poured some amazing cocktails.

Now that summer has officially began, why not take inspiration from a nation that really knows how to make the most of summer’s arrival with a Midnight Sun inspired party? Take advantage of the long, sun-drenched evenings by inviting friends for the ultimate laid-back summer gathering and enjoy some summer cocktails?

Impress friends by mixing one of the delicious, and super easy to make Finlandia Vodka cocktail recipes below. They’re fun, refreshing and thoroughly modern drinks are inspired by fond memories of some of the classic summer cocktails.

FINLANDIA MIDNIGHT SUN MARTINI
1 1/2 oz. Finlandia Vodka
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
2-3 oz. White Cranberry Juice (or Red)
glass: Martini
method: Shake
garnish: Cherry

FINLANDIA GRAPEFRUIT SUNSHINE
1 1/2 oz Finlandia Grapefruit
Lemon-lime soda
Splash of quality orange juice
glass: Tall
method: Over ice and add the splash of orange juice. Fill with lemon-lime soda
garnish: Grapefruit slice.

FINLANDIA MANGO MIDNIGHT RUN
2 oz Finlandia mango fusion
2 oz cranberry juice
Splash of lime juice
glass: Rocks
method: Mix and serve on the rocks
garnish: Lime wedge

(image source, me on Flickr)