Lemonade is a refreshing and tangy summertime drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods and beverages. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for what tastes good with lemonade.
Fruits
Fruits naturally complement the flavor of lemonade. The sweet and tart combination is perfect on a hot day. Some fruits that go well with lemonade include:
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Pineapple
- Peaches
- Plums
You can add fresh fruit pieces directly into the lemonade or serve fruit alongside a glass. For an extra refreshing beverage, lemonade with muddled strawberries or blueberries is delicious.
Herbs
Adding fresh herbs to lemonade can give it an aromatic boost. Some herbs that complement the citrus flavor include:
- Mint
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Sage
Muddle fresh herb leaves into lemonade or use herb-infused simple syrups to mix in flavor. Mint and basil are especially refreshing additions.
Tea
For a lighter, iced tea-lemonade combo, try mixing brewed tea with lemonade. The tannins in tea stand up well to the acidic lemon. Good tea varieties to use include:
- Black tea
- Green tea
- White tea
- Hibiscus tea
- Earl Grey tea
Adjust the tea-to-lemonade ratio to your taste preference. Adding a sprig of mint is also nice with tea lemonades.
Liqueurs and Spirits
For adults, lemonade can be transformed into tangy cocktails with the addition of liqueurs and spirits. Some delicious combinations include:
- Vodka lemonade
- Gin lemonade
- Rum lemonade
- Whiskey lemonade
- Amaretto lemonade
- Midori lemonade
The sweet-tart lemonade helps balance and highlight the liquor’s flavors. Grated ginger, cucumber slices or fresh herbs add extra dimensions.
Sweets
The tartness of lemonade balances out sweet treats for a palate-pleasing duo. Desserts that pair nicely include:
- Shortbread cookies
- Scones
- Angel food cake
- Pound cake
- Lemon bars
- Fruit tarts
The fresh acidity in the lemonade highlights the sweetness even more. You can also add sweeteners like simple syrups, honey or agave to lemonade to modify the sweet-tart ratio.
Savory Foods
Lemonade can cleanse your palate when enjoying rich and savory foods. It pairs well with items like:
- Seafood dishes
- Fried foods
- Barbecued meats
- Spicy cuisines
- Vegetable salads
- Cheese boards
The acidity cuts through heavier flavors beautifully. Try pairing lemonade with fried chicken, tacos al pastor or grilled shrimp.
Other Beverages
For a flavorful punch, blend lemonade with other non-alcoholic beverages. Tasty combinations include:
- Iced tea lemonade
- Fruit juice spritzers
- Coconut water lemonade
- Sparkling water lemonade
- Lemonade slushies
- Smoothies
Get creative mixing different juice flavors or using sparkling water for some effervescence. Frothy lemonade blended with ice makes a perfect slushy.
Conclusion
With its bright, citrusy flavor, lemonade goes well with a wide variety of foods and drinks. Fruits, herbs, teas, spirits, sweets, savory dishes and other beverages all complement lemonade’s taste profile. It’s incredibly versatile for everything from kids’ parties to cocktail hours. Next time you sip this sunny drink, try pairing it with something new and delicious.