Long drink

Long drink or lonkero is a mixed drink or alcoholic beverage that originated in Finland in the 1950s. Traditionally, it refers to a drink made from gin and, most commonly, grapefruit soda, although there are many variations. Long drinks were initially created for the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland, to help bars and restaurants serve customers more efficiently with a ready-mixed beverage.

History

The concept of the long drink dates back to the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. The Finnish government was looking for a solution to serve the influx of tourists efficiently while still offering a unique and refreshing alcoholic beverage. The solution was the creation of a pre-mixed, bottled drink that could be served quickly and would be appealing to both Finns and visitors. This led to the birth of the original gin and grapefruit soda long drink, which became an instant success and has remained popular in Finland ever since.

Varieties

While the traditional Finnish long drink is made with gin and grapefruit soda, the category has expanded to include a variety of flavors and spirits. Common variations include:

• Cranberry long drink: Made with cranberry juice or soda.
• Lime long drink: Incorporating lime juice or lime-flavored soda.
• Vodka long drink: Substituting vodka for gin.
• Alcohol-free long drink: Non-alcoholic versions that mimic the taste of the original.

Cultural Significance

In Finland, the long drink holds a special place in the country's drinking culture. It is not only a reminder of the successful 1952 Olympics but also a symbol of Finnish innovation in the beverage industry. The long drink is widely consumed in bars, restaurants, and homes across Finland and has seen a surge in popularity internationally as Finnish brands have begun exporting their products.

International Variations

While the long drink is a Finnish invention, similar pre-mixed alcoholic beverages exist in other countries, though they may not carry the same name. In Japan, for example, chūhai is a popular beverage that shares similarities with the Finnish long drink, typically made with shōchū and carbonated water, flavored with lemon or other fruits.

Regulations

In Finland, the sale of long drinks, like other alcoholic beverages, is regulated by the government. The Alko chain of government-owned liquor stores is the primary retail outlet for bottled long drinks with higher alcohol content, while milder versions can be found in supermarkets.

See Also

• Cocktail
• Mixed drink
• Alcoholic beverage
• 1952 Summer Olympics