If lemonade is carbonated in your English-speaking country, then it’s most likely that you’ll ask for Lemon Squash or Lemon Cordial to get what Americans call lemonade.
When the baking soda and lemon juice are combined, they react, releasing bubbles of carbon dioxide into the lemonade. This is the same thing that gives soda pop its fizz. If it is allowed to sit, the bubbles of carbon dioxide will escape the mixture and, just like soda pop, it will go flat.
We can measure how acidic or basic mixtures are using the pH scale. It ranges from 0 to 14. The lower the number, the more acidic the mixture. The higher the number, the more basic it is. Mixtures with a score of 7 fall right in the middle of the scale and are neutral – neither acidic nor basic. Most drinks we consume are either neutral or acidic. Some may be slightly acidic, but do not have enough acid to react with the baking soda and “fizz”.
The pain is real for travelers who have crossed the Atlantic and taken to social media to express their surprise and disappointment after ordering what they thought would be a tall, refreshing glass of sweet fruit juice, only to receive something artificially flavored and fizzy.
The truth is, British lemonade wasnt always so different. One of the earliest recipes for lemonade comes to us by way of “Mrs. Beetons Book of Household Management.” Published in 1861, the book not only gives us an insight into how a Victorian household should be managed, it also shares hundreds of recipes — including one for lemonade, which doesnt look too different from the way America prepares its favorite summer drink today. Mrs Beeton calls for a total of five lemons (two zested, and three juiced) and 3/4 cup of sugar to be mixed into 1 quart of water, and left for two days before it is consumed. With the popularization of carbonated drinks in England during the 19th century, lemonade took on a different journey — one that focused more on the bubbles than the distinctly natural lemony taste.
Americans know and love lemonade as a sweet juice made by squeezing several lemons, then adding plenty of sugar and water to balance out the tart flavor. But to the Brits, lemonade refers to a sweet fizzy drink that may or may not have actual lemon juice in it. In fact, any drink thats listed on a pub or restaurant menu as “lemonade” is likely to end up being akin to Sprite or 7-Up: clear, carbonated, and citrusy.
Having said all this, it is possible to get lemonade with fruit juice in it in Britain today. You just have to ask for “cloudy lemonade” which will get you a fizzy drink made with lemon juice concentrate added in. It may not be exactly what youre looking for, but it will at least bring you one step closer to the beverage youre craving, particularly on a hot summers day.
If you find yourself traveling across the United Kingdom (and parts of continental Europe for that matter), ordering a simple glass of classic lemonade may not get you the drink youre expecting. Even as both Britain and the United States speak (almost) the same language, what passes for lemonade in one country is something completely different to another.
Modern Marvels: Inside the Fizzy World of Soft Drinks (S15, E13) | Full Episode
FAQ
Does America have fizzy lemonade?
What is lemonade fizzy?
What is the American equivalent of British lemonade?
Is lemonade flat in the US?
What is fizzy lemonade called in America?
In America, fizzy lemonade is typically called “lemonade” or “carbonated lemonade.” This can vary depending on the region and brand, but generally, there is no specific variation of the name for fizzy lemonade in America. Fizzy lemonade is a popular drink in America that has been around for quite some time.
What are American fizzy drinks?
From carbonated lemonade to sparkling lemonade, we will delve into the fascinating world of American fizzy drinks and discover why this popular beverage has become a staple in homes across the country. In America, fizzy lemonade is typically called “lemonade” or “carbonated lemonade.”
Where did fizzy lemonade come from?
Fizzy lemonade is a popular drink in America that has been around for quite some time. Its origin can be traced back to the 19th century when carbonated water was first produced in the United States. Back then, carbonated water was mainly used for medicinal purposes, and it was not until later that it was used to make fizzy drinks.
What is lemonade flavored drink?
Lemonade is a sweetened lemon -flavored drink . There are varieties of lemonade found throughout the world. In North America and South Asia, cloudy lemonade is a common variety. It is traditionally a homemade drink using lemon juice, water, and a sweetener such as cane sugar, simple syrup, maple syrup or honey.