Recipe credit: Iesha Vince of Living Lesh
It was declared in 2019, that June 19 of each year will be known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in PA. In PA, there are tons of ways to celebrate including supporting Black-Owned businesses, attending some of the festivals, and having a family cookout like we will be doing this year.
A traditional drink to serve at a Juneteenth celebration is Strawberry Soda. This drink along with other red foods and beverages symbolizes the bloodshed of the slaves, and pays homage to their sacrifice that led African Americans to the freedom that they have today.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 liter lemon lime soda
- ¼ lemon juice
- Homemade strawberry syrup (see recipe below)
- 1 cup quartered strawberries
- Sprigs of mint
- Ice
STRAWBERRY SYRUP
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup quartered strawberries
In a saucepan add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of quartered strawberries. Bring to to boil. Once boiled, lower heat and use a fork or muddler to smash strawberries. Bring to boil again for one minute and then remove from heat and cover for 10 minutes. Strain liquid into a container and put in fridge to cool.
STRAWBERRY SODA METHOD
Add lemon lime soda to a pitcher filled with ice and a ¼ cup of lemon juice. Add homemade strawberry syrup and quartered strawberries & sprigs of mint. Stir together and serve.
For more ways to celebrate Juneteenth in PA, check out the visitPA.com website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for additional inspiration and ideas of places to visit around our state, and never miss an update by signing up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.