Why Miles Teller Chose a Toronto Bar Crawl Over a Red Carpet Event

In an age where Hollywood stars are often seen gracing red carpets and film festivals, actor Miles Teller is flipping the script. Instead of attending a high-profile event, Teller recently made headlines for a very different kind of appearance: a Toronto bar crawl. The reason? Promoting his alcohol brand, The Finnish Long Drink.

This bold move marks a departure from traditional celebrity endorsements and reflects a growing trend where stars are not just the face of a product—they are actively involved in marketing strategies that resonate with real people. So why did Miles Teller ditch the velvet ropes and paparazzi in favor of pub crowds and casual selfies? The answer lies in authenticity, business smarts, and a love for the product.

The Finnish Long Drink: More Than a Celebrity Endorsement

Miles Teller isn’t just promoting an alcohol brand—he’s a co-owner of The Finnish Long Drink, a canned gin-based cocktail inspired by a traditional beverage from Finland. The drink combines gin with citrus and soda water, delivering a refreshing and unique taste. It has deep cultural roots, originally crafted for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics to serve thousands of tourists efficiently.

Teller became involved with the brand in 2019, and by 2023, he had increased his stake in the company. His investment wasn’t merely financial. Teller believes in the product and is determined to bring it into the mainstream North American market. His hands-on approach, including bar crawls and public appearances, proves that he’s not just a celebrity face on a label—he’s a passionate partner.

Why a Bar Crawl?

The decision to host a bar crawl in Toronto rather than attend a glamorous event speaks volumes about the strategy behind the alcohol brand. In an interview, Teller explained, “It’s really hard to play pretend when you’re genuinely excited about something. I love this drink, and I want other people to love it too.”

By visiting local bars and interacting with fans directly, Teller created a unique marketing experience. The Toronto bar crawl wasn’t just a promotional tour; it was a grassroots campaign designed to build genuine connections. When fans are sipping a Finnish Long Drink handed to them by Miles Teller himself, the brand becomes more than a beverage—it becomes a story they’ll tell for years.

Celebrity Influence Meets Street-Level Marketing

What makes this strategy so effective is the fusion of celebrity power and street-level marketing. Traditionally, alcohol brands rely heavily on polished advertising campaigns, often involving luxury, exclusivity, and sophistication. Teller’s approach turns that model on its head.

Instead of posing on a red carpet, he’s pouring drinks behind the bar, shaking hands with fans, and sharing laughs with bartenders. It’s a campaign rooted in relatability and community. For younger audiences, especially college students and young professionals, this kind of authenticity is far more appealing than a glossy magazine spread.

Moreover, Toronto was a strategic location. The city boasts a vibrant nightlife scene and a multicultural, trend-savvy population. Launching the Finnish Long Drink with a local bar crawl ensured visibility among the very demographic that appreciates unique alcoholic beverages and socially-driven experiences.

Redefining Brand Ambassadorship

Miles Teller’s involvement in the Finnish Long Drink goes beyond the usual parameters of celebrity brand partnerships. Unlike some stars who lend their name but keep a distance from day-to-day operations, Teller is deeply invested. He’s at the events, behind the bars, and in front of the consumers.

This redefinition of brand ambassadorship aligns with a broader shift in marketing trends. Consumers today want transparency and authenticity. They want to know that the people promoting a product actually use and believe in it. In this regard, Teller’s bar crawl approach isn’t just refreshing—it’s revolutionary.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The buzz generated by the Toronto bar crawl was significant. Social media lit up with photos and videos of fans meeting Teller, trying the Finnish Long Drink, and sharing their experiences online. Not only did this generate organic reach, but it also reinforced the brand’s image as approachable, fun, and authentic.

For an alcohol brand looking to expand its footprint, such visibility is gold. It translates into word-of-mouth promotion, brand recognition, and customer loyalty—all driven by a hands-on celebrity co-owner.

Final Thoughts

In choosing a Toronto bar crawl over a red carpet appearance, Miles Teller showcased a powerful blend of authenticity, marketing savvy, and genuine belief in his alcohol brand, the Finnish Long Drink. His unorthodox approach to promotion is setting a new standard for celebrity partnerships, proving that sometimes the best way to sell a drink is to share one.

Whether you’re a fan of his movies or just love trying new beverages, one thing is clear—when Miles Teller shows up at your local pub with a Finnish Long Drink in hand, it’s not just a marketing stunt. It’s a toast to a new era of real connection between brands and the people who enjoy them.