A sporting cocktail, perfect for those hot, summer days, the Lonkero Long Drink is a Finnish delight.
If I may be allowed to quote James Bond from the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, “I’m not a sporting man.”
By that, I mean I don’t have a favorite team, I don’t follow any one sport, I don’t like football or baseball, and I’m not calling up friends for a quick pickup game of one-on-one. Sure, I’d throw down on some Tecmo Bowl on the NES or Joe Montana Football via the Sega Genesis, but that only gave my thumbs a workout. And even then, I’m more into videogames like Fallout or Super Mario Bros. The closest thing I came to having a sports hobby was skateboarding, which I did badly. In grade school, I was on a soccer and basketball team. But I was the kid “riding the pine”, as the saying goes. Meaning I was always benched.
So, while sports in general aren’t a thing of mine, I LOVE the Olympics. Summer, Winter, doesn’t matter. For those few weeks that the Games are played, I’m glued to my television and cheering on some of the greatest athletes to ever live. It’s fun. And that brings me to tonight’s cocktail.
The Lonkero is a Finnish creation, made up of gin, lemon and grapefruit juice, topped with grapefruit soda and club soda. When the Summer Olympics were held in Helsinki in 1952, Finland eased up on some of their stricter laws surrounding the sale of alcoholic beverages, in order to appeal to the many tourists that were coming to see the Games. Finnish summers can get a tad hot, so the Lonkero was created to sell to thirsty visitors.
Close to a Paloma, the Lonkero has stayed relevant over the years due to its refreshing, fizzy texture and beautifully balanced flavor.
What Is The Best Gin To Use In A Lonkero Long Drink?
When choosing the gin you’ll want as your spirit base in this drink, it’s a good idea to find one that will complement the grapefruit flavors that are present in this recipe. Go with a reliable London Dry, such as a Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire or Beefeater. The citrus notes and juniper-forward flavors will mix beautifully with the other ingredients, giving you a balanced and refreshing tipple.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 3 ounces grapefruit-flavored soda
- Club soda to top
- Grapefruit slice for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add the gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and grapefruit soda.
- Top with club soda. Stir gently and serve immediately, garnished with a grapefruit slice if desired.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Grab yourself a highball glass and fill it to the top with ice. Once your drink is ready to be served, garnish with a juicy wedge of grapefruit.
WHAT IS A “LONG DRINK”?
Apart from being the literal translation of the name of tonight’s recipe, a “long drink” can refer to any spirit served in a tall glass and combined with an ample amount of ice and mixers.
Similar Cocktails To The Lonkero Long Drink
There are plenty of adult beverages throughout history that have been born out of a popular sporting event or tradition. These have also become a great way for folks who can’t get away or travel to these places to have a shared experience. Twist & Toast has these recipes on hand and ready for you to try out.
- Mint Julep – You can’t go to the Kentucky Derby without one of these.
- Honey Deuce – The official cocktail of the U.S. Open.
- Belmont Jewel – When one is at the Belmont Downs, one must enjoy a Jewel.
- Bicicletta – Get on your bikes and ride with this recipe, one that’s very popular during the Tour de France.
Leave a Comment