Lonkero drink UK is making an unexpected impact across British pubs this summer. Originally crafted for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, this crisp mix of gin and grapefruit soda has now found its way into pints in cities like Norwich, London, and Brighton.
The drink was never pushed with flashy marketing. No viral videos. No influencer campaigns. Just word of mouth and real curiosity. One of the first major outlets to take notice was The Guardian, which recently called it the drink of the summer. The piece highlighted how Lonkero is being poured on draught in select venues across the country.
Elle Hunt, who wrote the article, explained how the drink seemed to rise from the shadows with no noise but undeniable presence. She first tried it through friends, then tasted the UK version made by a local startup called Lonkero Drinks. That company was started by Joe Harris and Paige Gibbons. Joe had worked in Helsinki and got hooked on the flavor. He later partnered with Paige to bring that same taste to British pubs. Surprisingly, Norwich has become one of their strongest markets.
Beyond Norwich, the Lonkero drink UK has made its way into bars across Edinburgh, London, and a few other cities. It’s now served on tap in some places, giving it a beer-like presence without the heaviness. The flavor is bright, light, and slightly sweet. Not overpowering, not boring either. Just something cold and refreshing with a twist.
This drink still holds strong in Finland, where it’s as common as beer. In recent years, it’s gained momentum in the United States too, often showing up in canned versions. But the UK rollout feels different. It feels grassroots. Local. Pub-born. And most of all, timely.
What makes it even more interesting is that the recipe hasn’t changed much in over 70 years. Gin. Grapefruit soda. Serve it cold, sometimes on tap, often by the pint. Simple and reliable.
Whether it becomes a fixture or fades out like a trend, right now the Lonkero drink UK is giving people something new to ask for at the bar. And the timing could not be better.
