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 lonkero 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.

KOFF Strong-Grapefruit Lonkero 8% 33cl x 24 tölkkiä

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.

Lonkero Today: Availability and Popularity

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 is a sweet drink that has a taste of gin and grapefruit.
• In this article, we delve into the origins, ingredients and cultural significance of Lonkero, providing an in-depth exploration of this iconic Finnish beverage.
• Light or zero version has fever calories, 33 in 100 ml, (3,4oz).
• As a symbol of Finnish identity, it continues to thrive, inspiring new variations and contributing to the ever-evolving beverage industry.
• These variations provide additional options for consumers seeking a great taste experience.
• Its growth can be attributed to its unique flavor, strong cultural identity and the increasing global interest in exploring traditional and authentic beverages.

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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).

Top Lonkero Brands in Finland

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.

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.

• Did you know this drink dates back to the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki?
• Lonkero has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, both domestically and internationally.
• Finland once had prohibition which was relaxed in 1932 with the creation of state company called Alko, where you could buy alcohol.
• The first lonkeros were served in the Olympic Games in Helsinki in 1952.
• This drink was so popular that the production continued even after the Olympic Games.
• 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.

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).