Lonkero-Finnish long drink recipe

A long drink will have a tall glass full of mixer, in contrast to a short drink, or shooter, which has less mixer, or none. Short drinks are generally stronger since both types tend to contain the same amount of alcohol. Lonkero is a sweet drink that has a taste of gin and grapefruit. The citrus tones are though not bitter but sweet since the drink has quite high sugar content. These are just a few examples of the top brands of Lonkero available in Finland. It’s worth noting that craft breweries and smaller producers are also contributing to the Lonkero market, offering their own interpretations and adding to the diversity of flavors and options available to consumers.

Hartwall Original Long Drink Brandy Black Label 7,5% 33cl x 24 tölkkiä

• The 2000s saw the reintroduction of the brandy long drink, now manufactured by Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas.
• Originating from Finland, this unique drink has a fascinating history and an intriguing flavor profile that has captivated locals and intrigued international visitors.
• Many zero version long drinks have 0 carbs so they are ok to drink even if you are dieting or are on keto.
• Finns drink lonkero especially when they go to the sauna.
• It was necessary to develop a drink that was refreshing and could be served for large crowds.
• Lonkero is a Finnish word given to what are known as ‘long drinks’.

The most popular place to buy it it’s on big ferries, where it is cheaper. A le Coq is also one of the Finnish people’s favorites. If you try this drink for the first time n Finland go with the original one that is Hartwall. You can get very different flavor profiles with different types of gin. Did you know this drink dates back to the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki? Finland once had prohibition which was relaxed in 1932 with the creation of state company called Alko, where you could buy alcohol.
Lonkero, the Finnish Long Drink, has become an emblem of Finnish drinking culture, capturing the essence of Finnish traditions and innovation. With its refreshing, crisp taste, simple recipe, and historical significance, Lonkero has gained popularity both domestically and internationally. As a symbol of Finnish identity, it continues to thrive, inspiring new variations and contributing to the ever-evolving beverage industry. Also known as a Lonkero, this popular Finnish highball originated at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics and has recently gained popularity in the U.S.
It is a crisp & zingy drink combining gin, grapefruit, soda, lime, pine & botanicals. We’re fans of this Finnish Long Drink with cranberry juice for extra tartness. Long drink light version is sweetened with aspartame, acesulfame, or stevia. Light or zero version has fever calories, 33 in 100 ml, (3,4oz).

• Alko created two long drinks which were pre-mixed and bottled,  ready-to-consume.
• Some experimented with using lemon, orange or other flavors instead of grapefruit.
• Also, it is perfect in the summer as a refreshing drink.
• One was a brandy and fruit flavour and the second one was made with gin and grapefruit.
• The company Hartwall took this task and made a gin-grapefruit soda drink to serve guests.

The first lonkeros were served in the Olympic Games in Helsinki in 1952. It was necessary to develop a drink that was refreshing and could be served for large crowds. The company Hartwall took this task and made a gin-grapefruit soda drink to serve guests. Finnish long drink called lonkero is made from grapefruit soft drink and gin.

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We love Bombay sapphire and Beefeater for the long drink. The one in the picture is something cheap we bought in Tallinn. The gin does affect the taste of this drink, and also the amount of gin you use.

Ingredients for the drink

To meet the increased demand for refreshing drinks, the Finnish government decided to create a ready-to-drink cocktail that combined gin with citrus flavors. The aim was to offer a beverage that was easy to consume, especially in outdoor settings, and that would quench the thirst of athletes and spectators alike. If you like it sweeter, add more grapefruit soda and less juice. White grapefruit juice can be difficult to find, so I often use Ruby Red juice. Other times, I just use gin and grapefruit soda to keep things simple.

When do you drink lonkero?

The drink’s popularity also extends beyond Finland, as it has gained attention in international markets. Its simplicity, combined with its distinct flavor, has led to increased interest from consumers around the lonkero world. Many zero version long drinks have 0 carbs so they are ok to drink even if you are dieting or are on keto.

Photos of Finnish Long Drink

A classic example of the highball is the Scotch and soda. Finns drink lonkero especially when they go to the sauna. Also, it is perfect in the summer as a refreshing drink. This drink was so popular that the production continued even after the Olympic Games. Hartwall still makes a Long drink with the original recipe. Lonkero is one of the Finnish people’s most popular drinks, it has been the most sold drink in Alko for several years.

Hartwall Original Long Drink Blueberry 5,5% 24x33cl

One cannot discuss Lonkero without mentioning its connection to Finnish sauna culture. Saunas are an integral part of Finnish life, and combining a refreshing Lonkero with a sauna session is a cherished tradition. The combination of the warm sauna and the cooling, citrusy Lonkero creates a unique sensory experience, complementing the relaxation and rejuvenation of the sauna itself. A simple style of long drink is the highball, a cocktail composed of one liquor and one mixer (excluding garnish or ice).