The Finnish Long Drink (also called a Lonkero) was first created in 1952 at the Helsinki Summer Olympics. Served in a tall glass (a long glass), its name comes from the glassware it is served in.
Related: Vodka Tonic, 7 and 7, Malibu Bay Breeze, Dirty Shirley, Mixed Drinks.
Ingredients
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best.
- Grapefruit Juice – Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice is great in this recipe.
- Gin – Choose a gin you have on hand. For the most traditional recipe, use a Finnish gin.
- Grapefruit Soda – Such as Fresca.
- Club Soda – Just a splash is needed.
How to Make
Begin by filling a tall glass with ice. Add lemon juice, grapefruit juice, gin, and grapefruit soda.
Stir to combine.
Top with a splash of club soda and a slice of grapefruit as an optional garnish.
Finnish Long Drink History
The Finnish Long Drink (also called a Lonkero) was first created in 1952 at the Helsinki Summer Olympics. Served in a tall glass (a long glass), its name comes from the glassware it is served in.
Tips for Making
- Flavor variations – You may swap a different flavor of juice or soda for a slight variation.
- Garnish ideas – This is a low-key drink that doesn’t even need a garnish. However, feel free to garnish with what you have on hand, such as a slice of citrus fruit or a maraschino cherry. I love it served with fresh grapefruit as it hints at the fresh juice used in our recipe.
- Finnish Gin – For the most authentic version, choose a gin made in Finland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in a Finnish Long Drink?
A Finnish Long Drink is made using lemon juice, grapefruit juice, gin, and grapefruit soda. Last, top with club soda and add a grapefruit slice as an optional garnish to the drink.
Why is it called a long drink?
The Finnish Long Drink gets its name for being served in a tall (or long) glass. It’s a highball mixed drink.
What is the national drink of Finland?
The Lonkero (Finnish Long Drink) is the national drink of Finland.
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Ingredients
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces gin
- 3 ounces grapefruit soda
- 1 splash club soda
- 1 slice grapefruit (optional garnish)
Equipment
- 1 tall glass
Instructions
- Begin by filling a tall glass with ice. Add lemon juice, grapefruit juice, gin, and grapefruit soda.
- Stir to combine.
- Top with a splash of club soda and a slice of grapefruit as an optional garnish.
Notes
-
- Flavor variations – You may swap a different flavor of juice or soda for a slight variation.
-
- Garnish ideas – This is a low-key drink that doesn’t even need a garnish. However, feel free to garnish with what you have on hand, such as a slice of citrus fruit or a maraschino cherry. I love it served with fresh grapefruit as it hints at the fresh juice used in our recipe.
-
- Finnish Gin – For the most authentic version, choose a gin made in Finland.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
This sounds so refreshing! I’d love to try it. But how much grapefruit juice? (I don’t see it in the ingredient list.)
I’m making this on the first warm day!! Sounds so refreshing 🙂
I make this drink with San Pellegrino soda. You can change up the grapefruit juice for orange juice and use the blood orange soda flavor. Any variation is delicious!
I found “gin and fresca” online but the addition of the real fruit juices really takes it up a notch!
I bet this drink would also be great batched! Bringing a little sunshine and vit-c to the dreary months of the year.
Sounds so refreshing! I can’t wait to try it!
So delicious!!
This sounds so refreshing!
So delicious!
Can’t wait to try this!
Love a citrus-y cocktail!
Love this drink!