National Lemonade Day is an annual event that celebrates the simple yet refreshing blend of lemon juice, sugar, and water. This timeless beverage has also made its way into the world of cocktails, adding a zesty twist to traditional spirits. In this blog post, we’re going to chat about the origins of National Lemonade Day, explore the art of crafting the perfect lemonade, learn some history about lemonade, and mix up some yummy lemonade cocktails. Let’s get started!

What Is Lemonade?

Lemonade is a quintessential and timeless beverage that combines the bright tanginess of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the subtle sweetness of sugar or other sweeteners, all diluted with water. The result is a refreshing drink that is basically summer in a glass. 

Known for its simplicity and versatility, lemonade has become a canvas for interpretations and improvements. The basic formula for lemonade has remained largely unchanged throughout history, offering a balance between tartness and sweetness that appeals to a wide range of palates.

What Is Pink Lemonade?

Pink lemonade is traditionally regular lemonade with pink food dye added, not to be confused with strawberry lemonade.

Is Lemonade Healthy?

While the vitamin C boost you get from lemonade might be beneficial, lemonade tends to have a ton of processed sugar mixed into it. There’s a lot of debate over artificial sweeteners for substitution. If you’re watching your sugar intake (which most of us should), try to limit the amount of lemonade you drink.

Fun Fact: In the 18th and 19th centuries, lemonade was sometimes recommended as a remedy for various ailments, including scurvy due to its Vitamin C content.

Is Lemonade a Juice?

While lemonade contains juice, it’s not mostly juice, which it would need to be in order to be considered “a juice.” Lemonade’s more of a fruit juice cocktail, if you want to categorize it.

How to Make Lemonade

Making a delicious glass of lemonade requires the right balance of ingredients. The process involves combining freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a sweetener like sugar or honey. The proportions vary according to taste, with some preferring a more tangy flavor and others a sweeter profile. Here’s an easy lemonade recipe for you to try:

Easy Lemonade Recipe:

1. Begin by thoroughly washing 4-6 fresh lemons to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Roll each lemon on a countertop, applying gentle pressure. This will help release the juices and make them easier to squeeze.
3. Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or your hands. Strain the freshly squeezed lemon juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
4. In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This forms the lemonade base.
5. Add cold water to the pitcher and stir again. Adjust the amount of water based on your preferred level of tartness and sweetness. You can start with 4 cups of water and then add more if needed.
6. Taste the lemonade and make any adjustments by adding more sugar or lemon juice according to your preference.

Fun Fact: In 2017, a group of kids set a world record for the largest lemonade stand, serving over 2,800 cups of lemonade in eight hours.

When Is National Lemonade Day?

National Lemonade Day falls on August 20th, celebrating the drink that has been a symbol of summer refreshment for generations. The observance of this day aims to honor the enduring popularity of lemonade and its versatility. While the exact origins of National Lemonade Day are not widely documented, its significance is evident in the enduring love for this classic beverage.

What’s the History of Lemonade?

The earliest recorded mentions of lemon-based beverages date back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These early versions of lemonade were simple mixtures of lemon juice, water, and sweeteners like honey. The concept of mixing sour citrus juice with water and sweetening agents not only provided a palatable and refreshing drink but also had practical benefits, such as preventing dehydration and providing a source of Vitamin C.

Lemonade’s name is believed to have originated from the French term “limonade,” which referred to a lemon-flavored beverage. In the Middle Ages, lemonade gained popularity in Europe, particularly among the elite. Its tart and sweet profile made it a sought-after treat, but due to the scarcity of lemons, it remained a luxury enjoyed by the privileged few.

The spread of lemons to the New World in the 15th century brought about greater accessibility to this citrus fruit. With improved transportation and cultivation methods, lemons became more widely available, and lemonade gradually transitioned from being a rare indulgence to a commonplace refreshment enjoyed by people from various walks of life.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, lemonade evolved in both its composition and presentation. Innovations such as carbonated water led to the creation of sparkling lemonades, and the addition of various fruit flavors expanded the array of options available to consumers. The advent of commercially produced lemonade in bottles and cans further democratized access to this beverage, making it a staple in households and social gatherings.

Fun Fact: We can thank Elbert Hubbard’s 1915 obituary for Marshall Pinckney Wilder for our “when life gives you lemons” adage.

How to Celebrate National Lemonade Day

Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate National Lemonade Day this year:

• Host a Lemonade Stand: Set up a lemonade stand in your neighborhood or community. Offer different variations of lemonade, from classic to flavored options, and donate the proceeds to a local charity or cause!
• DIY Lemonade Bar: Create a DIY lemonade bar with various mix-ins and garnishes. Set out bowls of fresh fruits, herbs, and even a selection of spirits for those who want to turn their lemonade into a cocktail.
• Lemonade Cocktails at Sunset: As the day winds down, gather with friends on a patio or rooftop to enjoy lemonade cocktails while watching the sunset. The combination of vibrant colors and refreshing drinks creates a serene atmosphere.
• Give Back: Use National Lemonade Day as an opportunity to give back to your community. Donate lemonade, snacks, or supplies to local shelters, community centers, or hospitals as a way to spread cheer and refreshment.

Lemonade Cocktails to Mix Up for National Lemonade Day

Here are X delicious lemonade cocktails for you to try on National Lemonade Day! Remember to use fresh ingredients, tasty garnishes, and local spirits to up your lemonade cocktail game.

Lemon Vodka Collins

1. Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes to chill the glass.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz vodka, 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup.
3. Add ice to the shaker and vigorously shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Strain the shaken mixture into the chilled Collins glass, leaving some space at the top.
5. Top off the glass with soda water (club soda). You can adjust the amount to achieve your preferred level of dilution and carbonation.
6. Gently stir the contents of the glass to combine the flavors.
7. Garnish your Lemon Vodka Collins with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry for a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.

Raspberry Lemonade Margarita

1. If you choose to rim your glass with salt or sugar, begin by moistening the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge. Dip the moistened rim into a plate of salt or sugar to coat it. Set the glass aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 3 oz raspberry lemonade, and 1 oz fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
3. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the ingredients and ensures they are well mixed.
4. Fill your prepared margarita glass with ice cubes.
5. Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass, using a strainer to catch any ice shards.
6. Garnish your Raspberry Lemonade Margarita with fresh raspberries and a slice of lime.

Lemonade Mimosa

1. Chill the champagne or sparkling wine and lemonade in the refrigerator until they are thoroughly cold.
2. In a champagne flute or glass of your choice, pour equal parts of chilled champagne and chilled lemonade. You can adjust the proportions based on your preference for sweetness and fizziness.
3. Gently stir the mixture with a long cocktail spoon to combine the flavors without losing too much of the carbonation.
4. Garnish the Lemonade Mimosa with a thin slice of lemon on the rim of the glass or floating in the drink.

Find Local Spirits With Distillery Nearby

Remember how we said your lemonade cocktails will be better with fresh ingredients and locally-crafted spirits? You can find distilleries near you with our “by-state” directory. Simple browse the listings in your area to compile a list. Then, you can either visit the locations in person or seek out their products at your local store where spirits are sold.

From all of us at Distillery Nearby,

Happy National Lemonade Day!