Lonkerot

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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: A Brief History

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. 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. Additionally, you may find bars and restaurants that offer Lonkero as a part of their cocktail menu, particularly those with a focus on international or Scandinavian cuisine.
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.

What does Finnish long drink taste like?

  • The drink’s popularity also extends beyond Finland, as it has gained attention in international markets.
  • Lightly sparkling and refreshingly bitter-sweet, it’s a go-to drink for relaxed occasions.
  • 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.
  • The story of Lonkero dates back to the summer of 1952 when Finland hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki.
  • 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.

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. 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.
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.

Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Cranberry 5.5% 24x330ml

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. With the Olympic Games being held in Helsinki, there would be an influx of thirsty athletes and visitors. Alko created two long drinks which were pre-mixed and bottled,  ready-to-consume. One was a brandy and fruit flavour and the second one was made with gin and grapefruit. In recent years, many different variations of Lonkero have emerged, featuring distinct flavors such as cranberry, lime or other citrus fruits. These variations provide additional options for consumers seeking a great taste experience.

reviews for Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Grapefruit 5.5% 330ml

In Finland, the legal drinking age is 18, and consuming alcohol  is a common social activity among adults. Lonkero’s popularity can be attributed to its easy-drinking nature, making lonkero it a favorite choice for both casual and festive occasions. It is often seen as a refreshing alternative to beer or traditional mixed drinks. The story of Lonkero dates back to the summer of 1952 when Finland hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki.

Photos of Finnish Long Drink

  • In the US you can buy Finnish lonkero equivalent at finnishspirits.com.
  • Lonkero, the Finnish Long Drink, has become an emblem of Finnish drinking culture, capturing the essence of Finnish traditions and innovation.
  • It is a crisp & zingy drink combining gin, grapefruit, soda, lime, pine & botanicals.
  • 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.
  • Finland once had prohibition which was relaxed in 1932 with the creation of state company called Alko, where you could buy alcohol.
  • Lonkero has become an integral part of Finnish drinking culture.
  • White grapefruit juice can be difficult to find, so I often use Ruby Red juice.

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. We love Bombay sapphire and Beefeater for the long drink. The one in the picture is something cheap we bought in Tallinn.

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.
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.

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