The name lonkero comes from the English term long drink, per the similar pronunciation to the word long, but more adapted to the Finnish pronunciation, which prompted producers to use the word as part of their marketing. Long drinks in the Finnish style have been commercially produced and marketed in other nations, including Japan, China, Taiwan and the United States. Until Finland joined the European Union in 1995, the production of long drink was strictly controlled by the government.
Can I use a different type of gin for Lonkero?
An authentic Lonkero should be crisp, dry, and refreshing with a distinct juniper bite from the gin balanced by the slightly bitter, citrusy notes of grapefruit soda. The key is using a crisp, dry grapefruit soda, not a sweet juice or a sugary soft drink. The host country introduced a fast-to-serve gin-based drink with grapefruit and soda water to keep the visitors entertained.
Authentic Finnish Long Drink (Lonkero)
- The host country introduced a fast-to-serve gin-based drink with grapefruit and soda water to keep the visitors entertained.
- Over years of making and enjoying Lonkero, I’ve picked up a few techniques that elevate it from a simple mixed drink to a truly exceptional cocktail.
- Please note this product may only be purchased by people 18 years and over in the UK.
- The 2000s saw the reintroduction of the brandy long drink, now manufactured by Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas.
- Lightly sparkling, crisp and refreshing.
- Lightly sparkling and refreshingly bitter-sweet, it’s a go-to drink for relaxed occasions.
- In Finland, lonkero is available in stores and restaurants, where it can be on draught, bottle or can.
Before we start mixing, it’s worth knowing where this iconic drink comes from. Forget those overly sweet canned versions. I’m going to show you how to recreate that perfect, authentic Lonkero experience at home. It was the absolute insistence on balance and a specific type of grapefruit flavor. Known for its clean, balanced taste and ready-to-drink convenience, it has lonkero casino review become a staple across the Nordics. I want to receive updates about products and good stuff
With this method, you’ll create a drink so crisp and clean it will instantly become your go-to for warm days, backyard gatherings, or any time you need a genuinely refreshing escape. Lightly sparkling and refreshingly bitter-sweet, it’s a go-to drink for relaxed occasions. There is also a company called Lonkero Drinks in Norwich, UK, whose long drinks are sold in Norwich, Edinburgh, Brighton and London. 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.
Please note that nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, especially the sugar content of your chosen grapefruit soda. For the grapefruit soda, seek out one that is more “soda” than “juice.” Look for brands like Q Mixers, Fever-Tree, or Ting. The result was a simple, yet brilliant, combination of Finnish gin and grapefruit soda. This one simple switch is the difference between a forgettable mixed drink and an authentic Lonkero that tastes like a Finnish summer. Hartwall Original, also known as ‘Lonkero’ is a ready to drink gin, with refreshing grapefruit.
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. England-based startup Lonkero Drinks has launched a Finland-inspired long drink made with gin, grapefruit and botanicals. You want the bitterness and effervescence of grapefruit, not the heavy sweetness of a soft drink. The city was expecting a flood of visitors from around the world, and they needed a pre-mixed, easy-to-serve, refreshing drink to handle the crowds efficiently.
A Brief History: The Drink of the 1952 Olympics
The 2000s saw the reintroduction of the brandy long drink, now manufactured by Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas. As a compromise following the Finnish prohibition (1919–1932), the country was living with a strict state-controlled alcohol policy. In Finland, lonkero is available in stores and restaurants, where it can be on draught, bottle or can.
- Long drinks in the Finnish style have been commercially produced and marketed in other nations, including Japan, China, Taiwan and the United States.
- The ‘full-frontal Finnish experience’ is designed for festival-goers, summer garden parties, and those who want a ‘refreshing change from the norm’.
- Our team can’t wait to see the Lonkero word spread across the UK this summer.”
- The name lonkero comes from the English term long drink, per the similar pronunciation to the word long, but more adapted to the Finnish pronunciation, which prompted producers to use the word as part of their marketing.
- I want to receive updates about products and good stuff
- Fermented lonkero beverages are sold in ordinary grocery stores under various names like “gin lonkero” or “grapefruit lonkero”.
- The key is using a crisp, dry grapefruit soda, not a sweet juice or a sugary soft drink.
Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Cranberry 5.5% 330ml
For the most authentic taste, you must use a quality London Dry Gin. They demanded it continue, and so Lonkero became a permanent fixture in Finnish culture, a symbol of hospitality, simplicity, and a relaxed summer mindset. The drink was designed to be temporary, just for the games, but the Finns fell in love with it.
These were the Gin Long Drink (gin with grapefruit) and the Brandy Long Drink (brandy with Pommac), then co-manufactured with Hartwall. Lonkero is available on the company’s website, with a six-pack retailing for £17.99 (US$23) and a 12-pack for £29.99 (US$39). Our team can’t wait to see the Lonkero word spread across the UK this summer.”
Lonkero long drink debuts in UK
The original mixed gin beverages were only sold at Alko due to higher alcohol content (5.5% alc/vol) and the fact that only Alko was allowed to sell non-fermented alcohol until 2018 when the alcohol legislation was changed. Fermented lonkero beverages are sold in ordinary grocery stores under various names like "gin lonkero" or "grapefruit lonkero". In the Finnish state retail monopoly alcohol store Alko, since 2007 Hartwall Original Long Drink has been the most popular product sold by the store, outselling Koskenkorva, one of the oldest Finnish spirits.
