A Shot of Drink: Lemonade Day

Today we return with a new edition of the series A SHOT OF DRINK, whose intention is to publicize general information about beverages in the world, through its ephemeris; and as we have previously said, although we are not experts or connoisseurs of the subject, we believe that the world of drinks, juices, teas, cocktails, smoothies and others is very exciting and varied, and some general culture is good for all of us.

Today, Thursday, August 20 is a cool day: We will celebrate the day of a very popular drink: LEMONADE, after all, lemonade is one of the most widely consumed beverages on the planet, especially during the summer.

Historical records indicate that this beverage—known as qatarmizat—was consumed as early as Ancient Egypt. Lemonade originated thanks to a fruit known as the citron (a product of natural cross-breeding), as primitive lemons were inedible. This facilitated the spread of citrus cultivation from North Africa to Europe. From Europe, lemons were introduced to the Americas, and naturally, lemonade also arrived on the continent and became a staple here.

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Over the centuries, this beverage served medicinal purposes—primarily because fresh fruit, and especially sugar, was often hard to come by—so its consumption was limited to the sick and the wealthy. Later, as ingredients became cheaper, its consumption became widespread. Proof of this could be seen in the street lemonade vendors who, carrying tanks filled with the delicious drink, sold it on the streets of Paris.

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Its consumption spread throughout the Americas, and today it is a hugely popular drink across the entire continent and the world; it is consumed very cold and sometimes accompanied by sparkling water, a blend of herbs and spices, or even milk. And, do you like Lemonade?