• Lonkero (Finnish Long Drink) 440ml Can at The Beerhive, Edinburgh. Free UK shipping.
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Lonkero (Finnish Long Drink) 440ml Can

Lonkero (Finnish Long Drink) 440ml Can

£3.50
£3.50
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Producer Lonkero
Country United Kingdom
Region Produced in the UK, inspired by Finnish Long Drink tradition
ABV 4.7%

Tasting Notes

Pink Grapefruit, Gin Botanicals, Lemonade and Juniper

Explore Further

Cocktails Spirits

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More About Lonkero (Finnish Long Drink) 440ml Can

Lonkero, meaning “long drink” in Finnish, is one of Finland’s most iconic alcoholic drinks, combining gin and grapefruit soda into a crisp, refreshing ready-to-drink cocktail. Originally created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, the drink became hugely popular across Finland and has since developed cult status internationally.

Traditionally made with gin and citrus soda, classic Lonkero delivers a clean balance of botanical bitterness, grapefruit zest and lightly sweet sparkling refreshment. Unlike sugary alcopops, it has a more adult, bittersweet profile that sits somewhere between a gin highball and citrus spritz.

On the nose, expect bright grapefruit peel, juniper and fresh citrus aromatics. The palate is light, crisp and highly refreshing with flavours of pink grapefruit, tonic-like bitterness, subtle gin botanicals and lively carbonation. The finish is dry, zesty and easy-drinking.

The style has become deeply associated with Finnish drinking culture and sauna culture in particular, often enjoyed ice cold during summer gatherings or social occasions. Modern craft versions now exist across Scandinavia and internationally, but the original Finnish-style grapefruit profile remains the benchmark.

Served straight from the can over ice, Lonkero is ideal for warm weather drinking and pairs especially well with grilled food, salty snacks, seafood and spicy dishes.

A cult Scandinavian classic that bridges the gap between beer, gin cocktails and refreshing citrus soda.

Available now at The Beerhive with UK delivery.

Meet the Producer, Lonkero

Lonkero

Style: RTD Cocktails

Lonkero takes the original Finnish “long drink” idea and gives it a slightly more modern RTD twist for the UK market. Which makes sense because Britain has become very good at canned cocktails recently, largely through collective exhaustion and people wanting decent drinks without washing up afterwards.

The drink itself sticks fairly closely to the classic formula. Citrus-led mixed drinks, usually built around gin, vodka or other clear spirits with sparkling fruit flavours and a clean, crisp finish. Grapefruit remains central to a lot of the range because Finland got that combination right the first time and there’s not much point arguing with it.

What separates Lonkero from a lot of RTDs is balance. These drinks generally avoid tasting like melted sweets or aggressively alcoholic energy drinks, which already places them comfortably above a worrying percentage of the category. You get proper bitterness, fresh citrus and enough dryness to keep things refreshing rather than sticky.

The Finnish influence still comes through stylistically too. Minimal branding, clean flavours and a fairly straightforward approach to drinking. No elaborate cocktail theatre. Just cold cans designed for parks, barbecues, festivals or mildly chaotic train journeys in summer.

RTDs as a category have improved massively over the last few years in fairness. Better carbonation, more sensible sugar levels and producers realising adults might prefer drinks that actually resemble proper mixed serves. Lonkero fits neatly into that newer wave. Easy drinking without feeling completely disposable.

Also worth noting that grapefruit and carbonation remain one of the best combinations ever invented for pretending the weather is nicer than it actually is. Particularly useful in Britain.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ – Lonkero

What is Lonkero?

Lonkero is a Finnish “long drink” traditionally made from gin and grapefruit soda.

What does Lonkero taste like?

It tastes crisp and refreshing with grapefruit citrus, subtle gin botanicals and light bitterness.

Is Lonkero beer or a cocktail?

It is technically a ready-to-drink cocktail or mixed drink rather than a beer.

Why is Lonkero famous in Finland?

It was originally created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and became one of Finland’s most iconic alcoholic drinks.

What alcohol is in Lonkero?

Classic Lonkero is traditionally made with gin mixed with grapefruit soda.

Is Lonkero sweet?

It has some sweetness, but is generally more balanced and less sugary than typical alcopops.

How strong is Lonkero?

Most classic versions sit around 5–5.5% ABV depending on the producer.

How should I serve it?

Best served ice cold straight from the can or poured over ice with grapefruit garnish.

What food pairs well with Lonkero?

Seafood, grilled meats, salty snacks, spicy food and summer barbecue dishes pair very well.

Why has Lonkero become popular internationally?

Its clean, refreshing grapefruit-and-gin profile appeals to both beer drinkers and cocktail fans looking for lighter, easy-drinking options.