What Is a Finnish Long Drink? History, Flavor and Lonkero Explained

A Finnish long drink, commonly called lonkero, is a premixed alcoholic drink traditionally made with gin and grapefruit soda. The style dates back to the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics, when Finland needed a drink that could be prepared and served quickly for the influx of visitors.

What Is in a Finnish Long Drink?

The classic version combines gin with grapefruit soda, producing a lightly bitter, citrus-forward drink with carbonation. Modern versions can vary by producer and may use different citrus flavors, fruit additions, alcohol levels, or reduced-sugar formulas.

The key distinction is that a Finnish long drink is a ready-to-drink cocktail rather than simply a generic mixed drink served in a tall glass.

Why Is It Called Lonkero?

In Finland, the drink is widely known as lonkero. The category became closely associated with Finnish drinking culture after its introduction around the 1952 Olympics and remained popular long after the Games ended.

How Does It Taste?

Traditional versions lean toward grapefruit: citrusy, slightly bitter, lightly sweet, and sparkling. Compared with many canned cocktails, the flavor profile is usually more restrained than syrupy.

Different producers now make variations that can include cranberry, peach, stronger citrus, or lower-sugar versions, so the exact taste depends on the product.

Is “Long Drink” a Brand or a Type of Drink?

Both uses exist. “Long drink” refers broadly to the Finnish beverage style, while some companies use the phrase as part of a specific brand name. That can make the term confusing for U.S. shoppers encountering it for the first time.

What We Found

A Finnish long drink is best understood as a sparkling, premixed gin-and-citrus drink with roots in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Its enduring appeal comes from the simple combination of citrus, carbonation, and spirits rather than from a complicated cocktail recipe.

For related Famadillo coverage, read our Gin Mare review.