Lonkero Finnish Long Drink

With the Olympic Games being held in Helsinki, there would be an influx of thirsty athletes and visitors. Alko created two long drinks which were pre-mixed and bottled, ready-to-consume. One was a brandy and fruit flavour and the second one was made with gin and grapefruit. In recent years, many different variations of Lonkero have emerged, featuring distinct flavors such as cranberry, lime or other citrus fruits. These variations provide additional options for consumers seeking a great taste experience. All of these beverages fall under the category of “low-calorie” as well, so if you’re keeping an eye on your waistline, Lonkero fits the bill.
Lonkero is a Finnish word given to what are known as ‘long drinks’. These are drinks which are served in a tall glass and are usually spirits such as vodka and gin mixed with soft drinks, usually grapefruit soda. Lonkero’s rise in popularity has had a significant impact on the beverage industry in Finland. It has not only influenced the ready-to-drink market but has also inspired other countries to create their own versions of long drinks. The success of Lonkero has demonstrated the appeal of a pre-mixed canned cocktail, leading to the development of similar products worldwide following the first long drinks being served at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. The story of Lonkero dates back to the summer of 1952 when Finland hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki.
In Finland, the legal drinking age is 18, and consuming alcohol is a common social activity among adults. Lonkero’s popularity can be attributed to its easy-drinking nature, making it a favorite choice for both casual and festive occasions. It is often seen as a refreshing alternative to beer or traditional mixed drinks.

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After joining the EU the government was no longer allowed to control the production, and this led to the birth of several long drink brands by different companies. Some experimented with using lemon, orange or other flavors instead of grapefruit. Others started manufacturing mild long drinks based on fermentation rather than on adding spirits. The same composition can be achieved by diluting a 10% cider into 5% with water and gin and grapefruit flavors, and the 5.5% product can be sold in grocery stores. The 2000s saw the reintroduction of the brandy long drink, now manufactured by Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas.

If you like it sweeter, add more grapefruit soda and less juice.
I find that Fresca and white grapefruit juice give this drink the most authentic flavor, but ruby red grapefruit juice can be used for a sweeter, less tart flavor.
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.
Lonkero’s popularity can be attributed to its easy-drinking nature, making it a favorite choice for both casual and festive occasions.
Long drink light version is sweetened with aspartame, acesulfame, or stevia.

Top Lonkero Brands Available in the U.S.

It’s traditionally served in a tall (“long”) glass, hence the name. I find that Fresca and white grapefruit juice give this drink the most authentic flavor, but ruby red grapefruit juice can be used for a sweeter, less tart flavor. When seeking Lonkero or Lonkero-inspired beverages in the U.S., it’s advisable to check local liquor stores, specialty beverage shops, or online retailers that carry a diverse range of alcoholic beverages. Additionally, you may find bars and restaurants that offer Lonkero as a part of their cocktail menu, particularly those with a focus on international or Scandinavian cuisine. Lonkero has become an integral part of Finnish drinking culture.

What is in a Finnish Long drink?

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 lonkero 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.
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.

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.
Its simplicity, combined with its distinct flavor, has led to increased interest from consumers around the world.
If you try this drink for the first time n Finland go with the original one that is Hartwall.
It has not only influenced the ready-to-drink market but has also inspired other countries to create their own versions of long drinks.
The one in the picture is something cheap we bought in Tallinn.

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.
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).

Lonkero, also known as the Finnish Long Drink, has gained popularity as a refreshing and distinctive alcoholic beverage. Originating from Finland, this unique drink has a fascinating history and an intriguing flavor profile that has captivated locals and intrigued international visitors. In this article, we delve into the origins, ingredients and cultural significance of Lonkero, providing an in-depth exploration of this iconic Finnish beverage. Until Finland joined the European Union in 1995, the production of long drink was strictly controlled by the government.

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).