140 Years of Zest: Why Lemonade is the Perfect Mixer
Some drinks come and go, but lemonade remains a staple classic. A true, original lemonade has stood the test of time as a crisp, refreshing drink, designed to be enjoyed on its own while performing effortlessly alongside premium spirts.
At Franklin & Sons, we’ve been crafting premium soft drinks and mixers since 1886, using carefully sourced ingredients and time-honed techniques to create drinks defined by balance and depth of flavour. For 140 years, lemonade has remained a cornerstone of our range, not only for its refreshing character, but also for its remarkable versatility.
From elevating cocktails and enhancing culinary creations, to offering convenient ready-to drink options, lemonade has earned its place as one of the most adaptable and dependable drinks.
Here, we explore the flavour journey of lemonade, uncovering what makes it a timeless classic, and why it continues to inspire new ways to drink, mix and enjoy it today.
A Classic, Yet Reliable Mixer
The beauty of lemonade as a mixer lies in its balance. The crisp acidity of lemon cuts through spirits, while carbonation lifts aromatics to the surface of the glass.
Vodka, gin and rum all pair beautifully with lemonade, with each combination creating something refreshingly different. With gin, the citrus sharpens botanicals and accentuates herbal notes, whilst with vodka, lemonade becomes the star, offering clean brightness and structure. Paired with darker spirits like rum, it adds contrast, preventing richer flavours from becoming overpowering.
Cooking with Lemonade
Did you know lemonade can be used in food recipes too?
While it’s best known as a refreshing drink or dependable mixer, lemonade can also be a surprisingly versatile ingredient extends well beyond the glass. In the kitchen, its balance of citrus acidity, sweetness and fizz actively enhances texture and structure in both savoury and sweet dishes.
Below are three ways to bring lemonade into your cooking and discover a new side to this classic soft drink:
Elderflower Battered Fish & Lemon Slices
Using cold soda water in batter is a familiar cooking technique, but why not try replacing it with our Hedgerow Elderflower Lemonade to add a subtle floral lift? The carbonation helps to create a crisp golden coating, while the elderflower complements delicate white fish without overpowering it.
For an extra layer of texture, thin slices of lemon can be battered and fried alongside the fish. Crisp on the outside and slightly chewy within, they deliver bursts of citrus intensity that elevates a comforting classic.
Goat’s Cheese & Raspberry Fool
Fresh raspberries marinated in our Pressed Raspberry Lemonade intensify in flavour, absorbing the drink’s bright, jammy notes. When folded through a light, airy blend of double cream and soft goat’s cheese, the lemonade’s citrus edge cuts through the richness – creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet balanced, without being heavy. Served chilled, it’s a simple yet stunning dish suited for any occasion.
Rhubarb Sorbetto
Spring Rhubarb Lemonade can do more than refresh – it can form the base of a vibrant sorbetto. Combined with fresh rhubarb, it enhances the fruit’s natural tartness while rounding it with subtle sweetness and citrus lift.
Whether you’re mixing cocktails, experimenting in the kitchen, or reaching for a chilled can, lemonade is a foundation for flavour whether it’s through lengthening a premium spirit, lifting ingredients in the kitchen or delivering crisp refreshment straight from the bottle.
At Franklin & Sons, we believe great drinks don’t need to be complicated, and our lemonade, refined over generations, continues to prove exactly why it endures.
Feeling inspired? Our newly launched Cocktail Finder is a great source of inspiration for your next serve, allowing you to discover just how easy it is to elevate your tipple, from timeless classics to lighter twists.
