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.
Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Grapefruit 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.
reviews for Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Grapefruit 5.5% 330ml
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, lonkero casino review 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.
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.
- Long drinks in the Finnish style have been commercially produced and marketed in other nations, including Japan, China, Taiwan and the United States.
- Our team can’t wait to see the Lonkero word spread across the UK this summer.”
- Lightly sparkling and refreshingly bitter-sweet, it’s a go-to drink for relaxed occasions.
- Please note this product may only be purchased by people 18 years and over in the UK.
- Lightly sparkling, crisp and refreshing.
- The 2000s saw the reintroduction of the brandy long drink, now manufactured by Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas.
My Secrets to the Ultimate Finnish Long Drink
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.”
Fazer Tyrkisk Peber Original – Salt Liquorice Sweets 120g
- Described as ‘the national drink of Finland’, Lonkero translates to ‘long drink’ in Finnish.
- The ‘full-frontal Finnish experience’ is designed for festival-goers, summer garden parties, and those who want a ‘refreshing change from the norm’.
- 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.
- Fermented lonkero beverages are sold in ordinary grocery stores under various names like “gin lonkero” or “grapefruit lonkero”.
- Known for its clean, balanced taste and ready-to-drink convenience, it has become a staple across the Nordics.
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.
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.
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 become a staple across the Nordics. I want to receive updates about products and good stuff
What does an authentic Lonkero taste like?
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.
Lightly sparkling, crisp and refreshing. The demand for Finnish long drinks has recently increased among consumers and investors. The ‘full-frontal Finnish experience’ is designed for festival-goers, summer garden parties, and those who want a ‘refreshing change from the norm’. However, avoid heavily sweetened or strongly flavored gins as they will overpower the delicate balance. 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.