Food
Fact-checked

At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Red Lemonade?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Red lemonade is a sweet, fizzy, lemon-flavored drink that is most commonly associated with the country of Ireland. Even though this beverage is red and not pale yellow or white like most traditional types of lemonade, it does still have a lemon-flavored taste. The actual ingredients are normally kept secret by many of the companies that produce it, but some of the cheaper varieties tend to use artificial sweeteners for flavoring rather than actual sugar.

The Irish often use red lemonade as a mixer for different types of whiskey, although some people do use it as a stand-alone drink. Red lemonade is so popular to use as a drink mixer in Ireland that the majority of pubs have it available on tap for their patrons. In addition to the red form of this drink, white and brown lemonade also exist in Ireland.

Red lemonade is popular to use as a drink mixer in Ireland.
Red lemonade is popular to use as a drink mixer in Ireland.

In Ireland, white lemonade generally refers to a clear, carbonated lemonade. Unlike the red variety, white lemonade is typically available in most countries, although the Irish may be the only group of people who refer to it as white. Many people make white lemonade at home out of lemons, water, and sugar, and it is also possible to buy it ready-made. Some types of ready-made white lemonade are carbonated, while other types are not. Homemade white lemonade is typically not carbonated.

The Irish often use red lemonade as a mixer for different types of whiskey.
The Irish often use red lemonade as a mixer for different types of whiskey.

Brown lemonade is another type of lemonade that is normally found only in the country of Ireland. The primary difference between the red and brown variety is the color, and most people report that the two drinks taste almost exactly the same. Brown lemonade is also not as widely available in Ireland as the red variety. People who want this drink typically have to travel to northern Ireland to get it, whereas the red kind is generally available throughout the entire country.

Red lemonade is red, but retains the flavor of lemonade.
Red lemonade is red, but retains the flavor of lemonade.

There have been a few stories in the country of Ireland surrounding red lemonade. Many people began to believe that the secret ingredient used to make it red might actually cause cancer, and some people thought that the reason it is available only in Ireland is because all other countries have banned it. Another story circulated that had many people believing that their cars could actually run on the beverage. Both of these stories turned out to be false.

Discussion Comments

Sporkasia

@Laotionne - I have heard that lemons and lemonade can help curb bad habits and cravings. In addition to helping smoking quit smoking, the drink can also be used to limit alcohol consumption for people who have a difficult time saying no to one more drink. Along these lines, there is a red wine lemonade that some hard drinkers use as a way of cutting back on hard alcohol use.

The theory is the same as with the cigarettes you mentioned. As the liver detoxifies because of the lemonade you are drinking, there is less of a need to drink alcohol -- less of a craving. And the red wine lemonade is a good alternative to going cold turkey because you can slowly ween your system of the hard liquor. Trying to cut out all alcohol at once does not work for many people, so the wine and lemonade mixture is a good alternative.

Laotionne

I've never had the red lemonade, but lemonade in general has many benefits. I'm guessing that when you add the alcohol like mentioned in this article some of these benefits may be nullified. However, lemonade in general is said to be a good aid for helping smokers kick the habit.

I have a friend who has tried a dozen different ways to quit smoking and up to this point nothing has worked for her. Supposedly, the lemonade dampens your craving for the cigarettes.

The explanation for this is that the lemonade cleans out the liver and as this happens the body loses the craving for the nicotine in the cigarettes.

Rundocuri

Last summer when I was on vacation I tried Irish red lemonade at an Irish restaurant. It was very good, but I think I prefer traditional lemonade without the fizz.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Red lemonade is popular to use as a drink mixer in Ireland.
      By: pavalena
      Red lemonade is popular to use as a drink mixer in Ireland.
    • The Irish often use red lemonade as a mixer for different types of whiskey.
      By: Gresei
      The Irish often use red lemonade as a mixer for different types of whiskey.
    • Red lemonade is red, but retains the flavor of lemonade.
      By: Nitr
      Red lemonade is red, but retains the flavor of lemonade.
    • A majority of Irish pubs will serve red lemonade.
      A majority of Irish pubs will serve red lemonade.