Old-Fashioned Lemonade: A Sip of Summer’s History in Every Glass
When you think of summer, what comes to mind? Sunshine, porch swings, and the familiar clink of ice cubes in a tall glass of lemonade. This nostalgic drink has roots that go back further than you might imagine—traveling across continents and centuries before becoming a staple at county fairs and backyard barbecues.
The history of lemonade can be traced back to medieval Egypt, where lemon juice was mixed with sugar to create a refreshing beverage called “qatarmizat.” By the 17th century, it was sold in the streets of Paris by vendors known as “lemonades.” In America, the drink gained popularity in the 1800s and became a signature refreshment for summer gatherings, thanks to the abundance of lemons and the rise of ice availability.
While today’s versions are often bottled and overly sweet, nothing beats a freshly squeezed, old-fashioned lemonade made with real lemons, water, and sweetness. Whether pouring it for a picnic, packing it in a mason jar, or serving it at its stand, this classic recipe is sunshine in a glass.
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Equipment
- Citrus juicer
- Pitcher
- Stirring Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 5–6 lemons
- ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar or honey adjust to taste
- 4 –5 cups cold water
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices and fresh mint optional for garnish
Instructions
- Juice the lemons. Roll each lemon on the counter to loosen the juices, then cut and squeeze them until you get 1 full cup of juice. Strain to remove seeds if desired.
- Sweeten the juice. In a pitcher, stir the lemon juice with sugar or honey until it is fully dissolved. Alternatively, you can heat 1 cup of water on the stove to make a simple syrup if you prefer.
- Add water. Pour in the remaining 3–4 cups of cold water, stir, and taste. Adjust sugar or water to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve. Fill glasses with ice, then pour the lemonade over them, and garnish with lemon slices or mint.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, reduce the water slightly.
- To make it a sparkling lemonade, replace 2 cups of cold water with carbonated water.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
🍓 Lemonade Variations
- Strawberry Lemonade: Blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries and stir into the lemonade.
- Lavender Lemonade: Steep one tablespoon dried culinary lavender in hot water for 5 minutes, strain, and add to the mix.
- Mint Lemonade: Muddle fresh mint leaves into the sugar before mixing.
- Honey: Replace sugar with ¾ cup of raw honey for a deeper flavor.
🍽 What to Serve with Lemonade
This Old-fashioned drink pairs beautifully with a variety of summer favorites:
- Grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie skewers
- Fresh salads with cucumbers, strawberries, or goat cheese
- Corn on the cob, deviled eggs, or potato salad
🍰 Dessert Pairings
Looking for a sweet to match?
- Lemon Bars: Double the citrus joy.
- Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery simplicity is perfect with tart lemonade.
- Berry Crisp or Cobbler: Warm, fruity desserts and cold lemonade are a match made in heaven.
❓Extra FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: You can, but it won’t taste as bright or fresh. Freshly squeezed lemons give the best flavor.
Q: Can I make lemonade ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Start with less sugar and taste-test. You can always add more!
Q: What if my lemons are too tart?
A: Use slightly more sweetener or add a pinch of salt to balance it.
Let this lemonade be a sweet reminder of slower days and simpler pleasures. Whether filling up a cooler for a picnic or sipping on the porch swing, homemade lemonade brings timeless charm to any moment.