Swedish woman stuns Aussies with simple beverage question

A Swedish woman has inadvertently sparked a debate about a popular drink and many Australians are shocked by her response.

A Swedish woman has inadvertently sparked a debate about a popular drink we have all taken for granted.

Lizette Van Essén, 28, has been in Australia since July and a video she made about lemonade has captured the attention of thousands.

“Uhm Aussies, what’s going on?”, Lizette captioned a video of a Sprite on her table.

“Second time that I order a lemonade in Australia and I get this. Somebody tell me what I’m doing wrong?”

Lizette explained to news.com.au she was used to lemonade in Sweden being a non-fizzy drink made of lemon, water, sugar and ice, similar to classic lemonade in America.

Lizette is a Swedish woman. Picture: Supplied

“I ordered it at a restaurant, and initially, I thought I had received the wrong drink and brushed it off,” she told news.com.au.

“However, when Sprite arrived a second time, it started to become a mystery that I needed to solve.”

So, she took to TikTok. She never expected to spark a debate about what lemonade was, but her social media erupted and her video now has more than 2,300 comments.

“Ask for a lemon squash, babe,” one social media user said.

“American lemonade at all markets on the weekend but you’ll need a pub squash or Solo for a similar vibe,” another said.

One added: “Wait till you get a pink lemonade then. It will confuse you even more.”

“Lemonade in America is fresh squeezed lemons, sugar, and not fizzy, right? It’s not as much of a thing here, when you see lemonade it’s referring to fizzy drinks like Solo or Sprite,” one said.

“Lemon squash is also a fizzy drink here. You probably won’t find American style lemonade in many places eating out but you might find some options at Coles/Woolies.”

She was confused by Australian lemonade. Picture: TikTok/@montageoflife

She is now trying to find the lemonade she grew up with. Picture: TikTok/@montageoflife

Another asked: “OK but like why is American lemonade so yellow?”

“Order a lemon squash or Solo. It’s basically carbonated American lemonade. Aussie lemonade is Sprite without the lime,” one said.

“Most places here don’t serve real lemonade,” another social media user commented.

Lizette is now working her way through the suggestions. She has tried Kirks Lemon Squash and Solo Lemon Mango Zero Sugar.

Neither stacked up to what she wanted. She went to cafes to look for “traditional lemonade”. All she was offered was soft drink.

“I still haven’t found it yet! If anyone knows where I can get the kind I’m looking for, please let me know,” she said.

“I’m sharing my findings as I try each one. If I’m still unlucky in finding it here, I’ll make it myself and share it with everyone who wants to try!”