Down the History Lane of R. Whites

Robert and Mary White began selling their own ginger beer out of a wheelbarrow in Camberwell, London in 1845. Back then, they used Robert White's name. The iconic wheelbarrow is still used in Britvic's R. White's drink packaging today as a remembrance. By the late 1860s, the company had grown to five production units and sixteen depots that were spread across the Midlands and London. As a lemonade specialist, the company strengthened its position as the biggest soft drink firm in London and the southeast by acquiring mixer manufacturer H. D. Rawlings Ltd.

By 1887, Robert White's sons - Robert James and John George, expanded the range of flavours, and the company began selling a variety of goods and flavors in Codd's glass bottles. Prices per dozen ranged from 8 pence to a shilling, and options included strawberry soda, raspberry soda, cherryade, cream soda, pineapple cider, ginger beer, soda water, and orange champagne. The company manufactured and sold more than 40 types of soft drinks by the early 1900s.

More than 100 R. White employees fought in the First World War, and the company played an important role back then by providing the government with more than half of its horses and vans. During World War II, a significant percentage of the company's automobile inventory was taken over by the government for military use. The company had to face many more problems, such as 3 of its factories being destroyed completely during the Blitz, yet it stood strong and continued its legacy of selling lemonade.

Flavours Available in R. Whites

In the past, R. Whites has manufactured and made lemonade available in many different flavours. However, today there are five flavours that are available:

• Lemonade
• Diet Lemonade
• Traditional Cloudy Lemonade
• Raspberry
• Pear and Elderflower

Some Ways to Enjoy R. Whites

While people like to relish R. Whites lemonade just as it is, there are many who would love to try unique ways of enjoying the lemonade.

Ice Pops and Sorbets – R. Whites lemonade can be frozen in ice pop moulds to create delicious popsicles. They can also be used as a base for sorbets by adding blended fruits to them and then freezing them.

Fruit Salad Dressing – Add the lemonade to orange juice and prepare a refreshing dressing for fruit salads. They balance the sweetness of the fruits with a little tart.

Marinades and Glazes – R. Whites can make a delicious marinade for meats, especially for grilling. The lemonade is both acidic and sweet, which is perfect for the meats. You can also add a few spices or herbs to the lemonade and create a nice glaze for the grilled meats.

Cocktails and Mocktails – R. White lemonades are often used as a base for cocktails and mocktails. They can be combined with different fruit juices or alcoholic drinks such as gin or vodka to make flavourful cocktails and mocktails. Ice, mint, soda, or other additions add to the taste and flavour of the drinks.

Dessert Toppings – R. Whites lemonade can be added to frosting or glaze for cakes and cupcakes. They can be poured over ice cream for a flavourful dessert.

Smoothies – You can prepare fruit smoothies with R. Whites lemonade. They are low in calories and make delicious smoothies.

Recipes with R. Whites Lemonade

Here are two recipes that you will absolutely enjoy making with R. Whites lemonade.

R. White's Lemonade Mint Sparkler

Ingredients:

• 1 can R. White's Lemonade
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar syrup to balance sweetness
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish

Preparation:

• Add R. White's Lemonade, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup to a tall glass
• Stir well to mix the ingredients and dissolve the syrup.
• Add ice cubes to the glass.
• Relish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.
• Stir again before serving.

You can use diet lemonade if you want a healthier version of this drink.

R. White's Berry Lemonade Slush

Ingredients

• 1 cup R. White's Lemonade
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
• Fresh berries for garnish
• Mint leaves for garnish
• Ice cubes

Preparation

• In a blender, add R. White's Lemonade, the frozen mixed berries, and honey/ agave syrup.
• Blend until smooth and slushy in texture.
• Taste – if required, add more honey or agave to adjust the sweetness.
• Fill glasses with ice cubes.
• Pour the berry lemonade slush over the ice.
• Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves.
• Stir before sipping to combine the slushy texture with the ice.

You can use diet lemonade if you want a healthier version of this drink.

People have enjoyed the R. Whites lemonade for several years now, and they continue to savour this delicious drink even today.