Nothing’s more perfect than having lemonade during hot, sunny weather. During the 1800s, these beverages have been made popular in the United States yet the public seems to be oblivious of their differences.
Though both are made from lemon fruit, they definitely differ in origins, flavors, and other qualities. However, do you know that some pink lemonades are made from other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, grapefruits, and other fruits that extract a pink color?
Whether you drink pink lemonade or just plain lemonade, both have their own refreshing and unique flavors! In this article, we will show you the difference between lemonade and pink lemonade.
Basil and also be used as a special flavor in a pink lemonade recipe – see what is the difference between basil and parsley.
What is a lemonade?
Lemonade is a beverage made from lemon extract. Natural lemonades are composed of lemon juice, water, and sugar, or other sweeteners. It is served cold with a clear or light yellow color. But others also serve it with added yellow dyes to make it more appealing. Of course, it is a very citrusy drink so it is best combined with a huge amount of sweetener and ice cubes.
Commercial lemonades are also made available already. It comes with a variety – carbonated, cloudy, and powdered lemonades. But these might be mixed with some additional preservatives, acids, and other ingredients to make them a viable drink.
During 1050 AD, lemonade was recorded in Ancient Egypt by the Persian poet, Nasir-I-Khusraw. This poet was able to record the Egyptian drink called “qatarzimat”, which is made of sugar plus lemon juice and other ingredients. Most historians believed that lemonade originated in Far East Asia nations such as China, India, or Myanmar.
This is a popular drink because of its refreshing and soothing properties. But more than that, you could actually drink this for hydration and digestive benefits. Though it retains the sour and tart taste of lemon, many people still love this. Health experts believe that this drink can stimulate the saliva gland to make more fluid in the mouth to relieve dry feelings or dehydration, especially when tired.
What exactly is pink lemonade?
Pink lemonade is a rose-tinted lemon juice. It is basically made of pure lemonade but has a red dye or grenadine added to give its pink color. Though pink lemons exist (they are called pink-fleshed Eureka lemons), this drink is not usually made with pink lemons.
Often, it is naturally made with ingredients like cranberry, grapefruit, blood orange, cherry, strawberry, or raspberry. The colors from these fruits may vary but they naturally extract acid and make pink lemonade taste sweeter than the traditional one.
Pink lemonade is usually chosen than the traditional one simply because of its appealing color and it is not as sour with the added fruit mixtures but it still gives the same feeling when drank – cool and refreshing.
The origin of this drink is not clearly studied but others say that it comes from a circus worker, Pete Conklin. He was believed to be the first one to make this drink by grabbing a tub of dirty dyed pink water from the dancer’s tights since the circus ran out of freshwater for plain lemonades. Eventually, it was marketed as strawberry lemonade and became popular.
Many hearsays are said about the origin of this drink but it certainly began in the United States with some connection to the circus.
What’s the difference between lemonade and pink lemonade?
As mentioned above, the two juices are made from different ingredients and came from different origins. But let’s get into details about the differences between lemonade and pink lemonade.
What are the ingredients in lemonade?
Water, sugar, and lemon are all that you need to prepare this refreshing drink. Lemonade is only made up of few ingredients yet very essential in making up the flavor. This can be served on all occasions at any time since the ingredients are commonly found in any kitchen.
However, there are many innovative ways to spice up this sweet and sour drink. Some would prefer the original and some would go for honey as a sweetener. Syrups or corn syrup is another way to lessen the citrusy taste of this drink. Others would also pour a little amount of fresh milk to make it appealing for children.
What are the ingredients in pink lemonade?
Though some may find this drink similar to plain lemonade, it still has distinctions. Of course, pink lemonade is made of fruits that extract a pink color. The base ingredients for this drink are water, sugar (or any sweeteners), and lemons. Once you have that, you can combine either of these fruits – cranberry, grapefruit, raspberry, or strawberry. The most simple one is crushed strawberries.
However, the most common ingredient for pink lemonades, especially the mass-produced one, is a red food dye. If you want to go for a healthier drink, opt to mix a pink-colored fruit.
Lemonade vs Pink Lemonade: Can you taste the difference?
Lemonade produces a natural sour taste because of the lemons. It also gives a tart taste that most people enjoyed of all ages on whatever occasions.
On the other hand, pink lemonade has a sweeter, richer taste than plain lemonade does. Because of its additional fruit ingredient, it is less sour and sweeter. The fruit itself naturally reduces the lemon flavor and replaces it with a sweeter one. But if you opt to use a red dye, the sour flavor from the lemon stays the same as the plain lemonade.
What is the difference between pink lemonade and regular lemonade other than the color?
Other than the color and taste as written above, a regular lemonade is perfect for relieving dehydration. This refreshing drink can stimulate the salivary glands that provide relief to dry mouths caused by dehydration or exhaustion.
While pink lemonade has a calming quality, especially when served cold. This is perfect for children since it has an appealing color and recommended for people who have a healthy diet.
Related Questions
Is lemonade healthy?
Yes! Lemonade and pink lemonade are healthy drinks assuming that it does not contain too much sugar. If you want it to be healthier, choose honey as a sweetener or add a little blueberry to liven up the taste as a simple syrup.
These drinks are also perfect for detoxification and cleansing of waste and toxins in the body system. Drink lemonade every morning and you would spare yourself from flu, colds, and other sicknesses.
Are strawberry lemonade and pink lemonade the same thing?
What is the difference between pink lemonade and regular lemonade, other than the color?
No. Pink lemonade can be made of different ingredients that extract or produce a pink-colored juice. It can be made of different fruits and even a food dye as long as it has a pink hue. It is basically an umbrella term that refers to any pink-colored lemonade.
While a strawberry lemonade is solely made of strawberry extract mixed with sweeteners. Strawberry lemonade is always considered a pink lemonade but a pink lemonade is not always strawberry lemonade since it can be made from cranberry, raspberry, or food dye.
Can you make pink lemonade from scratch?
Yes! In fact, it is very easier to make pink lemonade on your own. You can start by getting a cranberry juice, strawberry or raspberry puree or follow another recipe of your choice. Then, add ice, water, and honey to make it more refreshing, especially during hot weather. Homemade lemonade is just the best!
Which one is healthier?
We would prefer regular lemonade to pink lemonade. Due to the fact that it is purely made out of lemon and has no added dyes. It can also be a perfect alternative to a soda drink after a sumptuous meal. Plus, what better way to relieve your thirst than drinking a lemonade, right?
Though pink lemonade is also healthy, it is often added to food dyes, which are unhealthy. Also, pink lemonade is sweeter and can lead to serious health problems if consumed very often. To be safe, consume these drinks in a moderate way.
Does Pink Lemonade have caffeine?
No. If it is homemade, it is more unlikely to contain any caffeine. But commercial-made pink lemonades can probably have caffeine in them. Sometimes you can add a cinnamon candy to sweeten and flavor it up, or a lemon peel to tone it down. If you mix it with a club soda, then some brands of a carbonated drink do add caffeine.
Is Pink Lemonade a Specific Flavor?
No, it is a flavor that you make from a range of ingredients. One interesting fact about pink lemonade is that the flavor can be different depending on how it was made. Usually, a traditional lemonde like the pink contains a red or pink juice like strawberry, cherry, raspberry, or even cranberry when making a homemade pink lemonade. but there is no guarantee of which one. However unless you make a traditional lemonade – there is no guarantee what fruit juice or lemonade flavor, powder or chemical is added in a commercial one.
Really if you can a fresh lemon juice is best, and these can also be served with an iced tea base.
We encourage you to experiment with different flavors and fruit cocktails to perfect your own pink lemonade.