Lonkero, an ‘eccentric’ pint-sized serve of gin, grapefruit and botanicals concocted in Finland, is now available in Scotland both on draught and in cans.
Although it’s a spirit-based serve, Lonkero is being marketed as a pint-sized alternative to beer or cider, aimed at festival-goers, summer garden parties and ‘those who fancy a refreshing change from the norm’.
Lonkero is a brand of the Finnish Long Drink, the national drink of Finland, which dates back to its stint as host country of the 1952 Olympic Games, when guests were first treated to this fast-to-serve pint of gin, grapefruit and soda water.
Taking this concept out of Finland and onto the international market, Lonkero literally translates as ‘long drink’ in Finnish. At 5.5% ABV, the brand is said to be best enjoyed in ice-topped pints or ice cold cans ‘always among friends and sometimes with your pants off’.
Lonkero’s debut in Scotland was at the In-Drinks event in Glasgow’s SECC in March this year, where it was declared ‘In-Drinks Best New Alcohol Drinks Start Up 2024’.
That accolade secured the brand a partnership to sponsor Edinburgh Street Food’s outdoor cinema, and gained it listings at the likes of the equally eccentric Leith bar Teuchters Landing, and the popular Fringe Festival venue, Summerhall.
Co-founder and director of Lonkero, Joe Harris, said: “We are delighted with the launch of our brand Lonkero, or as we like to call it ‘The Long Finnish’.
“We spotted a gap in the market for consumers seeking a pint-sized, refreshing alternative to beer or cider.
“We knew we had something special with Lonkero, but to see this support from venues, partners and customers is incredible. Our team can’t wait to see the Lonkero word spread across the UK this summer!”
Lonkero is now available online in six-packs or dozen-packs, as well as on draught in a variety of bars in Edinburgh and London.
