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.
Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Grapefruit 5.5% 24x330ml
When you order a long drink in Finland it is not decorated. Lonkero is served as a 330 ml or 500 ml drink with lots of ice. You can decorate your glass with a slice of lemon, grapefruit, orange, or lime.
Lonkero Today: Availability and Popularity
I want to share Scandinavian and Nordic recipes for you who want to connect with your Nordic heritage and learn to make delicious, simple Scandinavian food and learn about the food culture. In the US you can buy Finnish lonkero equivalent at finnishspirits.com. In Finland, you can buy lonkero in all supermarkets and Alko. 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.
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. Lonkero is a Finnish word given to what are known as ‘long drinks’.
The gin does affect the taste of this drink, and also the amount of gin you use. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Please note this product may only be purchased by people 18 years and over in the UK.
Ingredients and Production
- One was a brandy and fruit flavour and the second one was made with gin and grapefruit.
- It is often seen as a refreshing alternative to beer or traditional mixed drinks.
- Some experimented with using lemon, orange or other flavors instead of grapefruit.
- Long drink light version is sweetened with aspartame, acesulfame, or stevia.
- We’re fans of this Finnish Long Drink with cranberry juice for extra tartness.
- Lonkero is a Finnish word given to what are known as ‘long drinks’.
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 has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, both domestically and internationally. It is now readily available in Finnish supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, as well as being exported to various countries around the globe. Its growth can be attributed to its unique flavor, strong cultural identity and the increasing global interest in exploring traditional and authentic beverages.
- A simple style of long drink is the highball, a cocktail composed of one liquor and one mixer (excluding garnish or ice).
- In this article, we delve into the origins, ingredients and cultural significance of Lonkero, providing an in-depth exploration of this iconic Finnish beverage.
- If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
- It is now readily available in Finnish supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, as well as being exported to various countries around the globe.
- The gin does affect the taste of this drink, and also the amount of gin you use.
- 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.
- Originating from Finland, this unique drink has a fascinating history and an intriguing flavor profile that has captivated locals and intrigued international visitors.
products
Finnish long drink called lonkero is made from grapefruit soft drink and gin. These are just a few examples of the top brands of Lonkero available in Finland. 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 world.
Ingredients for the 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 – Gin & Grapefruit 5.5% 330mlHartwall Original Long Drink with Gin and Grapefruit is the original Finnish “Lonkero,” combining real gin with crisp grapefruit flavour. Lightly sparkling and refreshingly bitter-sweet, it’s a go-to drink for relaxed occasions.
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 lonkero 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. We love Bombay sapphire and Beefeater for the long drink. The one in the picture is something cheap we bought in Tallinn.
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. 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. Until Finland joined the European Union in 1995, the production of long drink was strictly controlled by the government. 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.