From 'Squash' to Concentrates: The American Perspective
For many outside of the UK, the term 'diluting juice' is unfamiliar. It's the UK's version of a flavor concentrate, but the equivalent products in America are known by different names, often reflecting their specific format or function. The most common American equivalent is a frozen juice concentrate, which is a thick, syrupy mixture packaged in a can that you mix with water at home. Another form includes small, portable bottles of liquid or powder, often referred to as 'water enhancers,' designed to flavor plain water on the go.
The American Pantry: Frozen Juice Concentrate
Frozen juice concentrate is a staple in many American freezers. This product, which typically comes in a cylindrical cardboard container, is made by removing most of the water from fruit juice to create a dense, concentrated product. To prepare it, you simply add water—usually three or four cans' worth, according to the package directions—to reconstitute the liquid and create a full pitcher of juice. It is a convenient way to store juice for an extended period without taking up much space, and it is a common sight in the freezer aisle of American supermarkets.
A New Twist: Water Enhancers
More recently, the popularity of flavored water has led to the rise of 'water enhancers'. These are small, squeeze bottles of highly concentrated liquid flavor or packets of flavored powder that allow consumers to customize their drinks. Unlike frozen concentrate, these products are not necessarily fruit-based and often contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. They offer a portable and mess-free way to add a burst of flavor to a glass or bottle of water, appealing to health-conscious consumers who prefer to avoid the high sugar content of some traditional juices.
Why Terminology Differs: Cultural and Market Variations
The reason for the linguistic and product differences lies in cultural and market evolution. The UK's 'squash' or 'cordial' has a long history as a popular family drink. In America, however, the soft drink market was largely dominated by pre-bottled and canned beverages, and the use of frozen concentrates for juice was a popular, space-saving alternative. The emergence of water enhancers caters to a modern consumer desire for customizable, lower-sugar, and convenient beverage options. As a result, the specific terms used evolved to describe these different product categories rather than a single, universal one.
Comparison of Diluting Beverage Categories
| Characteristic | Diluting Juice (UK) | Frozen Juice Concentrate (US) | Water Enhancer (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Shelf-stable syrup in a bottle. | Frozen, thick liquid in a can. | Small bottle of liquid or powder packets. |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Primary Use | Mixing with still or sparkling water. | Reconstituting with water to make a full pitcher of juice. | Squeezing or pouring into a single glass or bottle of water. |
| Flavoring Base | Typically fruit-based, but can include herbal extracts. | Usually 100% fruit juice, with water removed. | Often artificial, but can use natural flavors and sweeteners. |
| Preparation | Mix a small amount of syrup with water to taste. | Thaw, add multiple cans of water, and mix. | A few drops or a packet's contents flavor a single serving. |
| Shelf Life | Long-lasting unopened, refrigerated after opening. | Years in the freezer. | Long shelf-life, does not require refrigeration. |
Cordials: The Crossover Term
While the American equivalent of diluting juice is not a single, direct translation, the word 'cordial' does exist in the US, though with a different connotation. In the U.S., a cordial is more commonly understood as a strong, sweet liqueur, especially one flavored with fruit. However, some specialty stores may carry non-alcoholic cordials, particularly those made by European brands, for use in cocktails or for flavoring water. These are niche products, and not what the average American would think of when referring to a concentrated drink base. Therefore, context is key when using the term 'cordial' on either side of the Atlantic.
Conclusion: A World of Concentrated Flavor
In summary, what is diluting juice called in America lacks a singular term. Instead, the product is categorized into different groups: frozen juice concentrate for making a batch of juice, and water enhancers for flavoring individual servings of water. This distinction highlights the unique evolution of beverage markets and consumer habits in the United States compared to the UK, where 'squash' and 'cordial' are more established terms. While the names are different, the underlying principle of adding concentrated flavor to water remains the same, providing Americans with a variety of ways to enjoy a customizable, flavorful drink.
The Final Word on "Squash"
It is important to emphasize that using the term "squash" in America to refer to a beverage is likely to cause confusion. In the U.S., 'squash' refers to a type of vegetable, such as zucchini or butternut squash. Therefore, when speaking to Americans, it is best to use the terms 'frozen juice concentrate' or 'water enhancer' to avoid misunderstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do they call 'squash' in the US?
They don't have a single term equivalent to 'squash.' The closest equivalents are frozen juice concentrate, water enhancers, or specialized non-alcoholic cordials.
Is diluting juice available in American stores?
Not under that specific name. You can find functionally similar products like frozen juice concentrate in the freezer aisle and water enhancers near the bottled water.
Can I buy British cordial in America?
Yes, some specialty or import grocery stores may carry British brands of non-alcoholic cordial, but it is not a common product found in standard supermarkets.
What is frozen concentrate and how do I use it?
Frozen concentrate is fruit juice with the water removed and then frozen. To use it, you mix the contents of the can with water in a pitcher, following the instructions on the label.
What are water enhancers?
Water enhancers are small, portable containers of liquid or powdered flavor used to add a quick burst of taste to a glass or bottle of plain water.
Is a cordial in America the same as in the UK?
No, in the US, 'cordial' typically refers to a sweet, fruit-flavored liqueur, not a non-alcoholic dilutable syrup.
What's the difference between a water enhancer and frozen concentrate?
Frozen concentrate is for making a larger batch of juice, while water enhancers are for individually flavoring a single serving of water. Water enhancers are also often artificially flavored, unlike the concentrate.
