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. Many zero version long drinks have 0 carbs so they are ok to drink even if you are dieting or are on keto.
Ingredients for the drink
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.
Hartwall lonkerovärisuora (5 x 24-tölkin laatikko, eri makuja)
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.
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.
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.
- The gin does affect the taste of this drink, and also the amount of gin you use.
- Lonkero, also known as the Finnish Long Drink, has gained popularity as a refreshing and distinctive alcoholic beverage.
- 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.
- A le Coq is also one of the Finnish people’s favorites.
- The most popular place to buy it it’s on big ferries, where it is cheaper.
KOFF Lime & Vodka Lonkero 5,5% 33cl x 24 tölkkiä
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.
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- 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.
- We’re fans of this Finnish Long Drink with cranberry juice for extra tartness.
- In Finland, the legal drinking age is 18, and consuming alcohol is a common social activity among adults.
- A simple style of long drink is the highball, a cocktail composed of one liquor and one mixer (excluding garnish or ice).
- 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.
- Lonkero’s rise in popularity has had a significant impact on the beverage industry in Finland.
We love Bombay sapphire and Beefeater for the long drink. The one in the picture lonkero is something cheap we bought in Tallinn. The gin does affect the taste of this drink, and also the amount of gin you use.
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).
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.
OLVI lonkero
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).
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.
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.
