Before we get into this week’s post I want to give a heads up that I will be discussing Long Drink, an alcohol beverage, at great length. Please make the best choice for you, especially if you have a difficult relationship with alcohol or are on a sobriety journey. Thanks!
In Finland, I fell in love. I guess technically I was cruising somewhere over the Baltic when I fell in love, but my new reason for living is decidedly Finnish, so tomato, to-mah-to.
Known in Finnish as Lonkero, Long Drink contains 5.5% alcohol within its premixed gin and carbonated grapefruit and citrus soda recipe. It is also a cultural must-try in Finland and is easily found on tap or in cans at bars, restaurants, and some stores. Below, I’ll be breaking down everything you need to know to enjoy it thoroughly whether you’re drinking it in its homeland or at your home.
Jump to What You’re Here For
History of Long Drink
The Olympic Host
Full disclosure, I am about to get history nerdy because this drink’s boozy origin story is pretty damn cool.
By 1952 Finland had navigated its way through World War II and survived multiple attempted invasions by the Soviet Union. The nation was in the midst of a post-war rebuild and economic transformation. It also found itself chosen as the host for that year’s summer Olympic Games.
Finland was confident in their ability to manage stadiums for the events and other infrastructure concerns, but did have a significant hospitality concern. With a shortage of wait staff and the large crowds expected for the games, they wondered how could they serve up drinks as quickly as possible.
At the time, government entity, Alko, oversaw anything related to alcohol. And the powers-that-be had the (genius) idea to create pre-mixed cocktails in a can. They specifically dreamed up an apple brandy drink and reached out to a company called Hartwall to make it happen. At the time Hartwall was known for their sodas made from locally sourced mineral water and sweetened juices.
In addition to creating the brandy-based drink requested by Alko, Hartwall also concocted the gin-based grapefruit soda cocktail that would change the face of Finnish drinking culture. Originally for sale only at the Olympic Games, the popularity of the drink with both visitors and locals inspired Alko to contract with Hartwall for continued availability of Long Drink.
The striped design of Hartwall Original Long Drink cans and labels symbolize the lines of the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Carrying on the Olympic Love
Over the next 43 years, Alko owned all rights to Long Drink and would enter into three-year contracts with providers for the drink’s production. In 1995, however, the government dissolved Alko’s monopoly over alcohol production and Hartwall was able to pick up continuous production of Long Drink moving forward.
In the years since its inception, manufacturers have added several different flavors to the Long Drink line up. Depending on the manufacturer, you can find Cranberry, Peach, Lemon, Orange, or Cassis flavors. I’m all for variety seeing as it is the spice of life and all, but the OG gin and grapefruit flavor reigns refreshingly supreme from my experience. Definitely start there.
Who Makes Long Drink
Finland
Hartwall still serves as a primary producer of Long Drink in Finland today. They have a factory visitors can tour 105 km (65 mi) northeast of Helsinki at Kasaajankatu 13, Lahti. Tours are an hour long and run between noon and 6 pm, Tuesday through Friday. The cost is 15€ per adult and 10€ for kids, seniors, and students. Arrange your tour by emailing vierailukeskus@hartwall.fi. The Hartwall website provides all the specifics to plan a tour, but is only in Finnish so I tried to capture all the must-knows above.
Starting in 2015, Hartwall expanded distribution within Europe and now also has markets in Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.
Hartwall is not, however, the only producer of Long Drink in Finland. Just like most other alcohols, several companies contribute to Long Drink’s availability. Just please don’t ask me to name them.
United States
Hartwall does distribute within the United States, but only in certain states with limited availability. The big dog in the US Market is a company aptly named The Finnish Long Drink. Researched and developed in Finland by one American and three Finnish entrepreneurs, the brand launched in the United States in 2018. Very quickly the company and their product caught the attention of actor Miles Teller and within a year, he became an investor and co-owner of the company.
Norwegian musician DJ Kygo had his first taste of the drink at Teller’s wedding. He loved it so much he sent cases to several of his friends including pro-golfer Ricky Fowler. In 2020, both DJ Kygo and Fowler also signed on as investors and co-owners.
By 2022, The Finnish Long Drink was the fastest growing spirits company in the world. Their marketing style is fun and fresh. Just a couple of weeks ago Miles Teller showed up at a college bar in Michigan to personally sling cans.
Since getting back to the US from Finland, I have gone through several cases of the stuff myself. While it’s not the same or as good (😬 Sorry Miles) as Hartwall and what you can get in Finland, it does scratch the itch and is worth trying.
Finland ❤️ Long Drink
Long Drink continues to be a cultural touchstone in Finland to this day. It remains highly popular in homes, restaurants, bars, and saunas. Saunas in Finland deserve and will get a cultural deep dive of their own on here, but yes – people sip on cans of booze while sweating.
The thing that struck me the most while we were in Finland was the reaction we got as foreigners from Finns when we ordered a Long Drink. Finns are a notoriously low-key people. They’re not unfriendly, they just aren’t in-your-face friendly as a general rule. That said, so many people lit up when we ordered Long Drinks.
When ordering a Lonkero in Finland, the waiter or bartender may ask if you want ice. The answer should always be yes.
The love for this drink runs deep and after a week of throwing back a good number of them, I get it. It’s unique, homegrown, and quenches a thirst, man.
Paul Rudd said it best when asked what moment he enjoyed most in Helsinki on “Travel Man” with Richard Ayoade. “I liked the Long Drinks.” Me too, Paul. Me too.
Cheers to You
Have you tried Long Drink? What is your favorite local cocktail you’ve tried on a trip? Let me know in the comments! 💛
Other Recommended Readings
2 Days in Stockholm: Revealing This Beautiful, Vibrant Capital
One Day in Copenhagen: 28-Hours of Danish Culture Starts Now
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