Best Fall Picnic Drinks to Pack in Phoenix
October and November are the best picnic months in the Valley. The heat finally backs off, the light gets softer, and a park lawn at 4 p.m. is a place you actually want to sit. The only real question is what to bring to drink.
Here is what works, and how to pack it so it holds up.
Why Lemonade Packs Well
Most picnic drinks have a catch. Soda goes flat. Iced tea needs a thermos. Anything in a cheap plastic jug tastes a little tired by the second hour.
AZ Lemonade Stand is brewed lemonade, which means it is heated to pasteurize and build flavor, then hot filled into glass so the seal holds. It rides easy in a cooler, and it also does fine at room temperature until you are ready to open it. Shake the jar before you pour, since real fruit settles. Shake well, shake, tap that AZ.
Pick the Right Size
The 32 oz mason jar is the one to set on the blanket. It looks good, it pours easily, and it is big enough to share. The 16 oz active bottle is easier to toss in a bag, so it works for a walk, a hike, or a kid who wants their own. Gallon jugs are available in limited markets and stay shelf stable for about a year, which helps if you are feeding a bigger group.
Mason jar prices run about $7.99 and bottles about $3.99.
Flavors That Fit the Season
The core lineup has Prickly Pear, Original, Huckleberry, Mango, and Strawberry. For fall, the seasonals are Kiwi, Watermelon, and Cranberry. Cranberry is the one that looks and tastes the most like the season. Prickly Pear is a good pick if you are bringing food with a little spice. Original is the safe choice when you are not sure what everybody likes. See the full list on the flavors page.
For anyone skipping sugar, AZ-ZERO comes in Original and Strawberry with 0 sugar, 0 calories, and 3 net carbs.
Where to Go in Phoenix
You do not need to go far. Papago Park has plenty of shaded spots and wide lawns. Encanto Park is a classic for a lazy afternoon near the lagoon. South Mountain has trailheads and picnic ramadas if you want a little more room. Check each park’s rules about glass and alcohol before you go, since they vary by location.
What to Bring With It
Keep the food simple and easy to share. A board with cheese, fruit, and crackers works with almost any flavor. Prickly Pear goes well with anything salty or spicy. Cranberry is a good match for sandwiches and anything on a baguette. If you are packing tacos or burritos, Prickly Pear or Original will hold up next to the flavors.
If you want to turn it into a drink with a little more going on at a spot where it is allowed, lemonade works as a mixer. Check out Can You Use Lemonade as a Cocktail Mixer? Fall Recipes with AZ Lemonade Stand. The lemonade itself is non-alcoholic.
A Quick Packing Checklist
Pack the jars upright with ice around them. Bring cups, since you will want something to pour into. Throw in a roll of paper towels for the inevitable drip. Keep a spare bottle in the bag in case someone asks for a second round.
Where to Find AZ Lemonade Stand
You can find it at Fry’s, Circle K, Bashas, select Albertsons and Safeway locations, Jacksons, Cobblestone, Food City, and Superpumper. Stock varies, so check the store locator or order online.
Visit the locations page or stop by 739 E Dunlap Suite L, Phoenix, AZ 85020. The phone number is (602) 883-8185.
FAQ
What are the best drinks to bring on a fall picnic?
Shelf stable drinks that travel well are the easiest. Brewed lemonade in a glass jar or bottle holds up in a cooler and at room temperature.
Does lemonade need to stay cold on a picnic?
AZ Lemonade Stand jars and bottles are shelf stable and do fine at room temperature, though most people prefer them cold. Keep them in a cooler with ice if you can.
What size should I bring to a picnic?
The 32 oz mason jar works for sharing, and the 16 oz active bottle is easier to carry. Gallons are available in limited markets for larger groups.
What are the best picnic spots in Phoenix?
Papago Park, Encanto Park, and South Mountain are popular choices. Check each park’s rules before you go.
Is AZ Lemonade Stand alcoholic?
No. It is non-alcoholic, and it works as a mixer if you choose to add spirits.
Where can I buy AZ Lemonade Stand near me?
It is sold at Fry’s, Circle K, Bashas, select Albertsons and Safeway locations, Jacksons, Cobblestone, Food City, and Superpumper across the Phoenix area. Use the store locator to check stock.
Ready to Pack the Cooler?
Order online or find a store near you. Prefer a form? Use our backup order form.
