Hartwall Original, also known as ‘Lonkero’ is a ready to drink gin, with refreshing grapefruit. 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. 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.
- 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.
- Before we start mixing, it’s worth knowing where this iconic drink comes from.
- 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.
- As a compromise following the Finnish prohibition (1919–1932), the country was living with a strict state-controlled alcohol policy.
- Avoid overly floral or sweetened gins.
- The drink was designed to be temporary, just for the games, but the Finns fell in love with it.
Can I use a different type of gin for Lonkero?
Our team can’t wait to see the Lonkero word spread across the UK this summer.” “We spotted a gap in the market for consumers who seek a pint-sized, refreshing alternative to beer or cider. Described as ‘the national drink of Finland’, Lonkero translates to ‘long drink’ in Finnish. Inspired by Finland’s ‘eccentricity and the love of the outdoors’, Lonkero is offered at 5.5% ABV as a refreshing, pint-sized alternative to beer and cider. 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.
A Brief History: The Drink of the 1952 Olympics
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. 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).
- Long drinks in the Finnish style have been commercially produced and marketed in other nations, including Japan, China, Taiwan and the United States.
- The demand for Finnish long drinks has recently increased among consumers and investors.
- 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.
- England-based startup Lonkero Drinks has launched a Finland-inspired long drink made with gin, grapefruit and botanicals.
- Until Finland joined the European Union in 1995, the production of long drink was strictly controlled by the government.
- I’d heard whispers about this legendary “long drink,” but the canned versions I’d tried back home just tasted like generic, sugary soda.
- 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.
The drink was designed to be temporary, just for the games, but the Finns fell in love with it. 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.
reviews for Hartwall Original Long Drink – Gin & Grapefruit 5.5% 330ml
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. Avoid overly floral or sweetened gins. They provide the necessary juniper-forward, botanical crispness that defines the drink. We’re not just mixing gin and soda; we’re crafting a perfectly balanced, invigorating cocktail that respects its heritage. It was crisp, subtly bitter, and unbelievably refreshing.
Authentic Finnish Long Drink (Lonkero)
I’d heard whispers about this legendary “long drink,” but the canned versions I’d tried back home just tasted like generic, sugary soda. Please note this product may only be purchased by people 18 years and over in the UK. 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.
My Secrets to the Ultimate Finnish Long Drink
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 lonkero casino review 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. 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.
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.