Finland's beloved long drink was invented for a sporting event

Helsinki hosted the Olympic Games in 1952, and a record number of international visitors was expected. The state alcohol company Alko asked Hartwall to produce ready-mixed long drinks, so that bars and restaurants could avoid the worst queues when tourists rushed in to ease the tension of the games and the thirst of the summer heat.

Long drink originally meant any lengthened alcoholic drink mixed in the glass. In Finland, the long drink – lonkero, as it's fondly called – has since become the name of a gin-based drink.

The long drink was only meant to be sold during the summer games, but Finns fell in love with the combination of gin and grapefruit juice. Today it's practically the national drink, and there are many flavours to choose from.

Kyrö Distillery brought some colour to the grey world of long drinks with its cranberry version, with Aira Samulin glowing next to the new product in the launch campaign. Today Longkyrö also comes in gentle blueberry and zingy ginger. You'll find them on the shelves of well-stocked Finnish grocery stores, in a tölk too.