Drinking ‘Long Drinks’ With ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Star Miles Teller

With his latest film ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ closing in on $1 Billion ticket sales worldwide, actor Miles Teller has earned himself a celebratory drink. As Lieutenant Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of “Goose” from the original ‘Top Gun’ film, Teller’s character provides some emotional reckoning for Tom Cruise’s “Maverick” over the death of his former partner.

And while many celebrities are also hoping to make $1 Billion with their own tequila brands, Teller entered the spirits business in a much more happenstance way. He met the founders of The Finnish Long Drink — a gin-based canned beverage that is immensely popular in Finland — at a liquor store tasting and went from fan to part owner. I spoke with Teller about the Long Drink, the success of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and the one flavor he may have to introduce to the Finns.

What was your first drink of choice?

I started with beer growing up. There was a lot of Yuengling around. I’ve always been a fan of a good lager.

You’ve been with The Finnish Long Drink a few years now. What’s changed since you’ve come on board?

We’re truly nationwide. In the first couple of years we saw tremendous success in the markets we were in. Now we’re finally at a place where supply is matching the demand all over. We’ll even be in Hawaii.

What’s your favorite time for opening a can?

I drink it all time just because it’s so refreshing. You can always mix it in to what you’re doing, on the golf course, out on a boat. I really enjoy making it into a cocktail. Pour it over ice, add a splash of reposado tequila and a little bit of lime. The reposado adds a nice sweetness to it.

How are you enjoying the success of ‘Top Gun: Maverick?’

It feels great, it’s really exciting. We’re all just so appreciative of Tom Cruise sharing this world with us. When the original ‘Top Gun’ it made him the biggest movie star in the world. For him to allow us to bring this new generation of characters to life is wonderful.

Were you worried about a sequel not living up to fan expectations?

People LOVE LOVE the original ‘Top Gun.’ And I’m so glad, as Tom said, we were able to hit a bullet with a bullet. To make a sequel thirty years later and have it be a hit, I don’t now if that will ever be achieved again. It’s really a high accomplishment.

Which is the best Long Drink to have when filming a movie?

When I was training for ‘Top Gun’ there was a lot of time looking at other people drinking. I couldn’t partake.

What’s the best one to drink to celebrate a hit film?

They’re all good, it depends what you’re going for. If you’re trying to watch your figure, go sugar free. But the original is the original for a reason. That one has the best taste to it overall.

Any plans to expand the Long Drink line from the current four styles?

I think the flavors we have right now are the flavors. There’s something to be said about maintaining the integrity of it. When you go to Finland there are all these variations. The fact that we have cranberry is nice. Maybe I’ll push for a ‘Pumpkin Long Drink’ around the holidays. I’m guilty of sampling pumpkin flavors in the fall.