13 Juneteenth Red Foods & Drinks & Watermelon Red Soda

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Juneteenth began as a celebration of the emancipation day of enslaved African Americans. Today, this federal holiday reminds us of the resilience and determination of a nation of Black people.

Juneteenth Red Foods Drinks Watermelon Red Soda

Why is Juneteenth food red?

For this reason, some of the foods eaten on Juneteenth are red. Red is symbolic of the bloodshed of our Black ancestors. They did not get to taste the freedoms we savor today. 

What food is served on Juneteenth, and why is it important?

African food culture and traditions greatly influence what African Americans eat today. In many West African cultures, red symbolizes strength, spirituality, life, and death.  

From okra to beansyamsmelons, and hibiscus tea, and red drinks. We see native African influence in African American soul food and during times of celebration and gathering like on Juneteenth.

Black Folks Southern Baked Mac And Cheese
Black Folks Soul Food Baked Macaroni And Cheese
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Black Folks Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe
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A Black folks collard greens recipe is the quintessential dish of any Southern soul food dinner.
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Black Folks Soul Food Southern Coleslaw Recipe
How do Black people make coleslaw?
With lots of flavor!
Black folks’ soul food Southern coleslaw is a classic recipe perfect for pairing with smokey BBQ meats and a great accompaniment with a pulled pork sandwich. 
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Black Folks Southern Tea Cake Recipe
Black Folks Southern Tea Cake Recipe
What are Black folks tea cakes?
An African American Southern dessert, Black folks tea cake is a sweet little biscuit. Light, airy, and sometimes compared to soda bread or pound cake. Tea cakes are a traditional African American treat that dates back to the 1600s.
Check out this recipe!

What is Juneteenth, and why is it celebrated?

Juneteenth is the official American holiday celebrating the day enslaved African Americans heard of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. It’s celebrated to memorialize African Americans’ freedom day and independence day.

Why is it called Juneteenth?

June 19th (Juneteenth) is recorded as the date enslaved Black Americans learned of their freedom. Many months after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1st, 1863.

The oldest known observances of Juneteenth in Texas are traced back to 1865 during the Reconstruction era, 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

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Juneteenth Traditions, Food & Recipes
Juneteenth traditions are celebrated on June 19th in the U.S. A celebration of African American culture, history, pride, food, & festivities.
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Black communities across Texas began holding celebrations to commemorate the end of slavery. 

The observances moved to a larger scale in the 1980s and 1990s with the growth of the Juneteenth music festivals. June is also African American music month. 

African Americans celebrate this day, which is also a reminder that there was a time in our history when slavery was abhorrently acceptable.

Why do you eat and drink red food on Juneteenth?

Why do you eat red food on Juneteenth?

Asked another way, why is red food eaten on Juneteenth?

Juneteenth celebrations would not be complete without Juneteenth red foods. 

Juneteenth red foods have held a long-standing prominence to celebrate the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom. 

These foods represent the holiday’s African American history, and the color red represents the bloodshed by formerly enslaved Americans during their time enslaved and struggle for freedom. 

Juneteenth Red Food Drinks Watermelon Red Soda

Some of the most common foods for Juneteenth celebrations include:

Juneteenth Watermelon Red Soda

What is red soda water?

Soda water is carbonated water (seltzer). Red soda water is carbonated water flavored with either watermelon or strawberry as part of a Juneteenth feast!

While Juneteenth has grown to include celebrating African-American culture and heritage, Juneteenth red food and drinks have always been a part of the jubilee day festivities. 

Juneteenth red foods are not only delicious, but they are also symbolic. Red is one of the primary colors used by African Americans to celebrate Black History

So when you celebrate Juneteenth, make sure to celebrate with Juneteenth red foods in African American style and tradition. 

No matter if you’re a Black person or any other culture delighting in the Juneteenth national independence day festivities! 

Ingredients for Juneteenth watermelon red soda 

  • 1 cup of watermelon syrup (I used Monin red watermelon syrup HERE)
  • 3 ½ cups of lemon-lime soda
  • 3 ½ cups of sparkling water
  • 1 cup of ginger ale soda
  • ¾ cup of watermelon, chopped 
  • ¾ cup of strawberries, chopped 
  • ¾ cup of blueberries
  • 4 cups of ice (optional)
Juneteenth Red Foods & Drinks Watermelon Soda

Instructions for Juneteenth watermelon red soda 

  1. Add the watermelon syrup, lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, and ginger ale to a large pitcher or punch bowl.
  2. Gently stir to combine.
  3. Then add the chopped fruit to the soda mixture.
  4. Optionally add 4 cups of ice to the pitcher, serve this Juneteenth watermelon soda in cups or glass tumblers, and enjoy!

🎙 Listen to The Soul Food Pod episode: Juneteenth Food

Keep the podcast conversation going about Juneteenth food HERE!

Red Foods For Juneteenth Watermelon Red Soda

Juneteenth red foods FAQs

What is the history of Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a celebration that originated in Texas, the oldest known celebration to honor the ending of slavery in the United States. 

The day commemorates June 19th, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. The troops were ordered to announce and enforce the two-year-old Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved Black people in the rebellious states were free. 

Juneteenth Food History, Facts & Black Folks Recipes -The Soul Food Pot
Juneteenth Food History, Facts & Black Folks Recipes -The Soul Food Pot
Juneteenth food history, traditions, drinks & desserts for your African American celebration. Recipes inspired by Netflix’s High On The Hog.
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What is the history of Juneteenth food?

Juneteenth food is usually associated with traditional Southern dishes such as barbecuepotato saladcornbreadgreens, and sweet tea

Since as far South as Texas, Juneteenth marks the end of slavery, so it only fits that the food served is associated with Southern cuisine.

For example, Juneteenth is celebrated in Texas with red barbecue sauce meat and briskets cooked outdoors on grills, smokers, and open fire pits.

What Black folks’ food can you make for Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a celebration commemorating when enslaved Black people were informed that they were free. 

This is a celebratory day and a very happy occasion. So why not have some fun food to celebrate with? 

What traditional food is served on Juneteenth?

Here’s a short list of traditional Black folks’ food you can make for Juneteenth:

Check out the complete list of Juneteenth menu ideas, from soul food main dishes to sides and desserts!

The Best Juneteenth Menu Ideas & Recipes
The Best Juneteenth Menu Ideas & Recipes
Soul food favorite Juneteenth menu ideas from the main dish to the sides & even dessert. Red food and drink & what food to serve on Juneteenth
Check out this recipe!

What do you serve at a Juneteenth party?

Juneteenth celebrations include a variety of traditional Black people’s food and drink, with an emphasis on red foods. 

Why is red food eaten on Juneteenth? Watermelon Red Soda, BBQ, Red Velvet Cake, Watermeon Salad

What are 10 Juneteenth red foods?

What red foods are eaten for Juneteenth?

Some Juneteenth traditional red foods include: 

  1. Red soda or punch
  2. Red beans and rice
  3. Tomato and watermelon salad
  4. Red cabbage slaw
  5. Sweet hibiscus tea
  6. Cranberry sauce cornbread
  7. Homemade watermelon ice cream
  8. Rhubarb strawberry pie
  9. Red velvet cake
  10. Juneteenth BBQ foods: chicken, ribs, sausage, beef brisket
Juneteenth Southern Hibiscus Sweet Tea
Juneteenth Red Drink Southern Hibiscus Sweet Tea
What is the official drink of Juneteenth?
Southern hibiscus sweet tea. It's a delicious red drink, and hibiscus flowers are native to West Africa. So, hibiscus tea has been part of Black culture since the beginning!
Check out this recipe!
Southern Soul Food Tomato Watermelon Salad
Southern Soul Food Tomato Watermelon Salad
Add to the menu a tangy and sweet Southern soul food tomato watermelon salad for your next outdoor BBQ party!
Summertime is all about the refreshing flavors of juicy watermelon and tangy tomatoes. 
This recipe for tomato watermelon salad with feta cheese, pickled onions, pickled peppers, and zesty cilantro is a classy Southern dish, perfect for any occasion!
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Juneteenth Southern Red Cabbage Slaw
Juneteenth Red Foods | Southern Red Cabbage Slaw
Southern red cabbage slaw is a delicious blend of red cabbage with carrots, celery, onion, herbs, and savory soul food seasonings. A dish perfect for a Juneteenth red foods menu!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Southern Pasta With Italian Dressing
Soul Food Southern Pasta with Italian Dressing
Soul food Southern pasta with Italian dressing and savory shrimp is a Black folks' creative way to make a flavorful soul food pasta dish you've come to expect from your favorite African American cookouts and family gatherings!
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Black Folks Pork Jowl In The Air Fryer
Black Folks Pork Jowl Bacon In The Air Fryer
Pork jowl or hog jowl is a Black Folks soul food staple served on New Year's Day with black-eyed peas, cornbread & collard greens.
This recipe is a contemporary soul food recipe for pork jowl. A new twist on an old classic, cooked quicker, easier, and still to perfection in the air fryer!
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Black Folks Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Black Folks Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Black folks fresh cranberry sauce is the soul food version of classic cranberry sauce because Southern Black folks always spice things up!
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Cranberry Sauce Cornbread Recipe
Cranberry Sauce Cornbread
A sweet soul food cornbread and fresh cranberry sauce treat!
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Disney Dole Whip Recipe
Pineapple & Watermelon Dole Whip Recipe
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Strawberry Rhubarb - Do You Need To Cook Rhubarb Before Baking?
Southern Desserts Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Let's pair rhubarb with strawberry to prepare delicious strawberry rhubarb pie! 
The combination of tart rhubarb, tangy strawberry, and buttery crust turns into an addictive flavor that will have your mouth watering for more!
It's delicious, easy to make, and will have people begging you to make this recipe again and again! 
 
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Southern Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is considered to be soul food of the South!
A Black folks' Southern red velvet cake is a made-from-scratch decadent red sponge cake with homemade cream cheese frosting. A cake that's just sweet enough to be irresistible!
Check out this recipe!
Southern Soul Food BBQ Chicken Recipe
Southern Soul Food BBQ Chicken Recipe
No, you don't have to go to a restaurant when you crave Southern BBQ.
Thanks to this easy Southern soul food BBQ chicken recipe, you can bring the same deliciousness of savory BBQ flavors home to your kitchen. 
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Steve Harvey Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
Steve Harvey shares his easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe.
This Southern BBQ sauce is perfect for slathering your favorite meats for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, or any other holiday!
You'll have enough leftover sauce to store in a mason jar and share!
Check out this recipe!

Or, many people enjoy traditional Southern dishes for Juneteenth: 

Juneteenth Red Soda Watermelon Drink

Is red velvet cake for Juneteenth?

Red velvet cake is the official dessert of Juneteenth.

Its popularity was boosted during the Juneteenth red food celebrations due to its red color. 

This cake has traditionally been served as soul food on holidays such as ChristmasEaster, and even Valentine’s Day. So it doesn’t seem out of place to offer it on Juneteenth.

Juneteenth Menu Southern Red Velvet Cake
Black Folks Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe | Juneteenth Menu, Food, History, Facts, & Black Folks Recipes
Red velvet cake is considered to be soul food of the South!
A Black folks' Southern red velvet cake is a made-from-scratch decadent red sponge cake with homemade cream cheese frosting. A cake that's just sweet enough to be irresistible!
Check out this recipe!

Did Black people create red velvet cake?

What’s the story behind red velvet cake? Did Black folks invent it?

Red velvet cake is considered to be soul food of the South! 

Because like most Southern cuisine that originated in the 1800s, red velvet cake is believed to also be of African-American origin. 

What Is The Official Drink Of Juneteenth? Juneteenth Southern Hibiscus Sweet Tea

What is the official drink of Juneteenth?

What drink is synonymous with Juneteenth? Red hibiscus sweet tea for two reasons. 

Simply because the beverage is red and hibiscus flowers are native to West Africa. A popular drink still made there today steeped in rich history.

What is the fruit of Juneteenth?

Hibiscus is the African-origin fruit of Juneteenth. Thus the menu item red hibiscus tea.

What does strawberry soda have to do with Juneteenth?

Red soda or red soda water are standard Juneteenth red drinks. In addition, at Juneteenth celebrations, you’ll see beverages in red strawberry or watermelon flavors.

Juneteenth Red Drinks Watermelon Red Soda

What foods or drinks might you see at a Juneteenth celebration?

Red hibiscus drink (hibiscus tea) is a popular drink still made in West Africa today. 

However, since hibiscus flowers to make tea have not always been easily accessible in the U.S. Easy to get strawberry soda became a red drink staple for celebrating Juneteenth.

Along with Black food bloggers like myself and The Soul Food Pot recipes, you can also check out Nicole A Taylor’s Juneteenth book Watermelon and Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations.

Why is Big Red only sold in Texas?

Big Red is the original red cream soda that was previously only distributed in Texas until the 1970s. 

Today, Big Red is distributed by Dr. Pepper with a national reach outside of The Lone Star State.

What are the symbols of Juneteenth?

The most significant symbol of Juneteenth can be found on the Juneteenth flag.

The curved line on the flag under the bursting star represents a new horizon of opportunity and promise for Black Americans.

What is Juneteenth, and why is it celebrated?

What are the official colors of Juneteenth?

Red, white, and blue.

Why is the Juneteenth flag blue and red?

The red, white, and blue colors in the Juneteenth flag represent that enslaved African Americans and that their descendants are all Americans.

Why are Juneteenth colors red, black, and green?

Although the official Juneteenth flag colors are red, white, and blue to represent that enslaved Africans and their descendants are Americans. Many in the Black community have adopted the Pan-African flag colors.

Red, black, and green (RBG). Thes colors represent the blood, soil, and prosperity of Africa and African people.

How do you organize a Juneteenth celebration?

How do you organize a Juneteenth celebration?

Celebrate with your family and friends with a variety of these Juneteenth recipes. In addition, you can ask your guests to participate by bringing a dish from the Juneteenth menu

How do you honor Juneteenth, and what do people eat to celebrate?

If you’re planning a potluck celebration, reward anyone who brings red foods for Juneteenth!

Then at your gathering, remember to initiate discussions and movements around justice, reform, voting rights, and equal rights for Black people.

How do you celebrate Juneteenth where you live?

If you’re celebrating Juneteenth in the city, remember these iconic soul food restaurants where you can eat!

  • St Louis, MO – Sweetie Pie’s restaurant
  • Los Angeles, CA – Roscoe’s Chicken And Waffles
  • Harlem, New York – Sylvia’s

Or, if you’re celebrating Juneteenth in your hometown, make sure to include an iconic African American recipe based on where you live!

Here’s a starting list:

Juneteenth Red Foods Drinks Watermelon Soda

What do you think of these Juneteenth recipes?

Which recipes are you going to make?

Have you had Juneteenth red foods?

Would you make them? 

Comment below and lemme know. Then subscribe HERE for all the soul food!

 The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
What is soul food? Soul food recipes are African-American recipes full of flavor! A legacy of Southern cooking the Black way. Check out this collection of the best soul food recipes!
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Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest Soul Food Recipes board!

Juneteenth Red Foods Drinks Watermelon Red Soda

Juneteenth Red Foods & Drinks | Watermelon Red Soda

Juneteenth red foods and drinks are not only delicious, but they are also symbolic. Red is one of the primary colors used by African Americans to celebrate Juneteenth Black History, including this easy-to-make Juneteenth watermelon red soda recipe.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Fruit Chopping Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Soul Food
Keyword: Juneteenth, Juneteenth food, Juneteenth menu, Juneteenth menu ideas, Juneteenth red drinks, Juneteenth red food and drinks, Juneteenth red foods, Juneteenth red soda, Juneteenth watermelon soda, red soda water, vegan, vegetarian, watermelon red soda
Servings: 6
Calories: 189kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup syrup I used Monin red watermelon syrup HERE
  • 3 ½ cups lemon-lime soda
  • 3 ½ cups sparkling water
  • 1 cup ginger ale
  • ¾ cup watermelon chopped
  • ¾ cup strawberries chopped
  • ¾ cup blueberries
  • 4 cups ice optional

Instructions

  • Add the watermelon syrup, lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, and ginger ale to a large pitcher or punch bowl.
  • Gently stir to combine.
  • Then add the chopped fruit to the soda mixture.
  • Optionally add 4 cups of ice to the pitcher, serve this Juneteenth watermelon soda in cups or glass tumblers, and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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