If you’ve recently come across the word Lonkero, you’re not alone. As more people across the UK discover this iconic Finnish drink, searches for “What is Lonkero?”, “Where can I buy Lonkero in the UK?” and “What does Lonkero taste like?” are becoming increasingly common.
So, what is Lonkero, and why has it been one of Finland’s favourite alcoholic drinks for more than 70 years? In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Finland’s famous long drink, from its fascinating history to its unique flavour and why it’s becoming increasingly popular with UK drinkers.
Lonkero is the Finnish word for “long drink” and refers to a refreshing ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage traditionally made with gin and grapefruit flavours. While there are now many different styles of long drinks available, the original and most famous is Hartwall Original Long Drink.
Created in Finland in 1952, Hartwall Original Long Drink combines premium gin with sparkling citrus flavours to create a crisp, refreshing drink that’s perfect served ice cold. For many Finns, ordering a “Lonkero” doesn’t simply describe a type of drink, it refers to one of the country’s most recognisable and beloved alcoholic beverages.
The story of Lonkero begins in 1952, when Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympic Games. With thousands of international visitors arriving in Finland, organisers needed a drink that could be served quickly while maintaining consistent quality.
The solution was simple but brilliant. Hartwall created a refreshing mixture of gin and grapefruit that could be produced on a large scale without compromising on flavour. The drink was an immediate success, and long after the Olympic flame had been extinguished, Finns continued enjoying what would become known simply as Lonkero.
Over seventy years later, Hartwall Original Long Drink remains one of Finland’s most iconic drinks, enjoyed everywhere from summer cottages and lakeside saunas to restaurants, bars and family celebrations.
One of the reasons Lonkero has stood the test of time is its incredibly refreshing flavour. Unlike heavier spirits or overly sweet ready-to-drink cocktails, Hartwall Original Long Drink delivers a clean, crisp taste that’s easy to enjoy.
Expect:
Many people describe it as sitting somewhere between a premium gin and tonic, a citrus spritz and a refreshing canned cocktail. It’s easy to drink without being overpowering, making it ideal for warm weather and social occasions.
Few drinks have become as closely associated with a country’s drinking culture as Lonkero has with Finland. Its popularity comes down to several factors:
Unlike many modern canned cocktails, Lonkero wasn’t created as part of a trend. It has decades of genuine history behind it and remains an important part of Finnish culture.
Its light citrus flavour makes it appealing to a wide range of drinkers, whether they usually enjoy beer, cider, wine or spirits.
There’s no mixing required. Simply chill the can, open it and enjoy.
Lonkero has become a favourite choice for BBQs, summer evenings, sporting events, holidays and celebrations thanks to its refreshing, easy-drinking style.
Not quite. While both drinks use gin as their base, Lonkero has its own distinctive identity. Rather than tonic water, Hartwall Original Long Drink uses refreshing citrus flavours to create a lighter, fruitier drinking experience that’s crisp, sparkling and incredibly refreshing.
If you enjoy gin and tonic, there’s a good chance you’ll also enjoy Lonkero.
One of the biggest advantages of Hartwall Original Long Drink is its simplicity.
For the best experience:
No cocktail shaker required.
While the classic citrus flavour remains the best known, Hartwall Original Long Drink is now available in a variety of refreshing flavours.
Depending on availability, you may find options including:
Each offers its own unique twist while maintaining the crisp, refreshing character that has made Lonkero famous.
British drinkers are increasingly looking for something different. Craft beer introduced people to new styles of brewing. Premium gin transformed the spirits market. Now many consumers are discovering premium ready-to-drink beverages that offer quality without the hassle of mixing cocktails.
Lonkero fits perfectly into this trend.
It offers:
For anyone looking to expand their drinks fridge beyond the usual choices, Hartwall Original Long Drink is well worth discovering.
If you’re looking to buy authentic Finnish Lonkero in the UK, Hops & Barley stocks Hartwall Original Long Drink in a range of popular flavours. Whether you’re trying Finland’s iconic long drink for the first time or restocking your favourite flavour, ordering online makes it easy to enjoy this legendary drink without travelling to Finland.
With fast UK delivery, you can experience one of Finland’s favourite alcoholic drinks from the comfort of your own home.
Lonkero is the Finnish word for “long drink”.
Hartwall developed the original Finnish long drink for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.
The alcohol content varies depending on the variety. Always check the product label for the current ABV.
Yes. Hartwall Original Long Drink is a ready-to-drink gin-based cocktail-style beverage.
Yes. Hartwall Original Long Drink is available in the UK through specialist retailers such as Hops & Barley.
Whether you’re completely new to Lonkero or you’ve enjoyed it on holidays in Finland, Hartwall Original Long Drink offers something refreshingly different.
With its rich history, premium gin base and unmistakable citrus character, it’s easy to see why this iconic Finnish drink has remained a favourite for generations.
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