By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on May 24, 2023 | Last Updated on June 23, 2023
The Finnish Long Drink, also known as the Lonkero, is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that originates from Finland. The unique combination of white grapefruit juice, gin, soda water, and lemon juice makes this classic summer drink so popular in many countries around the world.
The sweet and tart flavors blend together for a truly delightful taste experience – perfect for those hot summer days. Whether you’re at a social gathering or simply relaxing by yourself, mix up this traditional recipe and get ready to enjoy the taste of summer!
In this article, we’ll go over how to make the perfect Finnish Long Drink, including ingredients and step-by-step instructions. We’ll also provide some tips on how to serve it and answer some FAQs. So let’s get started!
What is Finnish Long Drink?
The Finnish Long Drink is a traditional summer drink. It’s made with white grapefruit juice, gin, soda water, and lemon juice. This concoction of sweet and tart flavors creates an incredibly refreshing beverage perfect for those hot summer days.
The drink also has low alcohol content, making it suitable to be consumed by those who don’t usually drink alcohol.
The origin of the Finnish Long Drink dates back to 1952 when it was first created by a company called The Oy Hartwall Ab. It quickly became popular across Finland and its popularity has spread around the world as well.
It’s now enjoyed in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
What does it taste like?
The Finnish Long Drink is a light and refreshing beverage with sweet and tart flavors. It’s made up of white grapefruit juice, gin, soda water, and lemon juice, giving it a unique flavor that’s not too sweet or too strong.
The addition of the club soda also adds some extra carbonation to the drink, creating a refreshing and fizzy sensation. Additionally, the lemon juice adds a hint of tartness to balance out the sweetness from the grapefruit juice and soda.
How did I first get introduced to the Finnish Long Drink?
I first tried the Finnish Long Drink on a trip to Helsinki. It was served in a bar and I immediately fell in love with its light and refreshing taste. Ever since then, it’s been one of my favorite summer drinks.
Whenever the temperature starts to rise, I like to mix up this classic recipe for an easy and delicious way to cool down.
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How to make Finnish Long Drink?
Making a Finnish Long Drink is incredibly easy and only requires a few ingredients. Here are the ingredients & step-by-step guide on how to make it:
Ingredients
- Grapefruit Juice: This addsness to the Long Drink, balancing out the sweetness of the soda.
- Grapefruit Soda: Use grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca for the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Gin: This adds a nice boozy kick to the drink.
- Lemon Juice: For an extra pop of freshness and balance, add some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Club Soda: A splash of club soda adds a bit of carbonation and helps bring everything together.
- Ice: Top off your glass with some ice cubes for a chilly refreshment.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
Step 2
Pour the white grapefruit juice, gin, and grapefruit soda into the glass.
Step 3
Add lemon juice and stir thoroughly.
Step 4
Top off your drink with a splash of club soda, as desired, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Tips
-For an extra kick, add a lemon-lime-flavored soda instead of grapefruit.
-Add some fresh mint leaves for a unique flavor.
-Instead of white grapefruit juice, you can use pink or ruby red as well.
-Try using lime juice instead of lemon if you prefer a tart flavor.
Finnish Long Drink Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 fluid ounces white grapefruit juice
- 5 ounces grapefruit flavored soda
- 4 fluid ounces gin
- 2 splash club soda
- 2 slice grapefruit for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the white grapefruit juice, gin, and grapefruit soda into the glass.
- Add lemon juice and stir thoroughly.
- Top off your drink with a splash of club soda, as desired, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Sodium: 11mg
Potassium: 116mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Calcium: 11mg
Iron: 0.2mg
What to serve with Finnish Long Drink?
Serving a Finnish Long Drink is a great way to enjoy it with friends and family. Here are some delicious food pairings for your next gathering:
-Light appetizers such as olives, crackers, cheese, and vegetables.
-Salty fish dishes like smoked salmon or pickled herring.
-Fried snacks like potato chips or french fries.
-Grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or beef.
-Fresh salads with a light dress.
-Honey nuts for a sweet and sav treat.
How to store leftover Finnish Long Drink?
You can store leftover Finnish Long Drink in the refrigerator for up to three days as long as it’s covered securely. Make sure that all ingredients are mixed together well before storing so that the drink doesn’t separate when it cools down.
You can also freeze the drink in an airtight container or ice cube trays for up to six months To serve, simply thaw and pour over some club soda or lemon-lime soda before serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Although the ingredients of a Finnish Long Drink are generally safe for pregnant women, it is best to consult with your doctor before consuming. Alcohol should be avoided in any form during pregnancy and the added sugar content may also be unsuitable for some women.
If you choose to drink this beverage while pregnant, make sure that you keep your portions moderate.
FAQs
Is a Finnish Long Drink alcoholic?
Yes, a Finnish Long Drink is an alcoholic beverage. It contains gin and beer as its main ingredients, so it should not be consumed by anyone under the legal drinking age in their country. If you are looking for a non-alcoholic version of this drink, simply omit the gin and add more grapefruit juice or soda to make it a mocktail.
Is it safe to drink Finnish Long Drink?
Yes, as long as you are of legal drinking age and consume the beverage responsibly. Since this drink contains alcohol, make sure that you don’t overindulge and stay within your limits. Always remember to drink plenty of water in between drinks, and never drink and drive.
What are the health benefits of a Finnish Long Drink?
The main ingredients in Finnish Long Drink have several potential benefits. White grapefruit juice is particularly rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants which can help boost your immune system. Gin is known to have calming effects and also helps reduce stress levels.
The carbonation in the beer provides a refreshing feeling, which can make you feel more relaxed. Additionally, this drink has a very low sugar content, so it may be suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
Wrapping Up
A Finnish Long Drink is a refreshing and unique beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or with food. Its main ingredients include gin, beer, and white grapefruit juice.
Thank you for reading! We hope that this article has been helpful in learning about the Finnish Long Drink. Please share it with your friends if you like it!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
