Lonkero, also known as the Finnish Long Drink, has gained popularity as a refreshing and distinctive alcoholic beverage. Originating from Finland, this unique drink has a fascinating history and an intriguing flavor profile that has captivated locals and intrigued international visitors. In this article, we delve into the origins, ingredients and cultural significance of Lonkero, providing an in-depth exploration of this iconic Finnish beverage. Lonkero has become an integral part of Finnish drinking culture.
What does Finnish long drink taste like?
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.
- Its simplicity, combined with its distinct flavor, has led to increased interest from consumers around the world.
- Others started manufacturing mild long drinks based on fermentation rather than on adding spirits.
- 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.
- It is often seen as a refreshing alternative to beer or traditional mixed drinks.
- In Finland, you can buy lonkero in all supermarkets and Alko.
Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Orange 5.5% 330ml
Hartwall Original, also known as ‘Lonkero’ is a ready to drink gin, with refreshing grapefruit. 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). A classic example of the highball is the Scotch and soda.
Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Grapefruit 5.5% 330ml
- 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.
- If you like it sweeter, add more grapefruit soda and less juice.
- The most popular place to buy it it’s on big ferries, where it is cheaper.
- 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.
- Many zero version long drinks have 0 carbs so they are ok to drink even if you are dieting or are on keto.
- Until Finland joined the European Union in 1995, the production of long drink was strictly controlled by the government.
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. 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.
History behind the drink
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.
Lonkero-Finnish long drink recipe
A long drink will have a tall lonkero 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. Many zero version long drinks have 0 carbs so they are ok to drink even if you are dieting or are on keto. When making your own light version buy grapefruit soda that is sugar-free.