The Refreshing Backstory of Lemonade

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

On a hot summer day, a glass of something refreshing is just what the weather calls for. The sweet, tart, and ice cold lemonade has been an American staple for years, dominating the sidewalks and restaurants of suburban America. Lemonade actually was created by Egyptians in the 10th century. At first, the Egyptians used citron leaf to get the sour citrus flavor, as well as peppercorns and barley. When lemons came to Africa, the drink changed. This fruity drink which combined sugar and lemon juice was called qatarmizat. An Arabic physician named Ibn Jumay had a recipe for lemonade in the 12th century and preached the healing benefits of drinking it. He described it as a cure to everything. Whether it was a stomach ache or sore throat, lemonade could fix it. This healing sometimes spread to England and other doctors would prescribe it there. During this time, lemons, and especially sugar were a great luxury. Only the richest of the rich could afford the so-called healing benefits of it. 

This all changed in Paris, France in the 17th century when people started to go around the city and sell it from vats that they would carry on their backs. In 1656 these people called themselves, ‘Compagnie de Limonadiers’. The lemonade they carried was carbonated! Europeans also had a big problem, scurvy, a disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency, was on the rise among sailors who couldn't carry fresh fruit on boats. The British Navy ordered for lemonade to be on their daily ration menu. When England would have conflict with Spain, the leading lemon producer, they would simply get limes from the Americas, creating limeade! British sailors would also earn the nickname ‘Limeys’. The first time lemonade showed up in an American cookbook was in The Virginia Housewife which featured everything from squeezing lemonade and creating a sherbert-like mixture with egg whites, to everyday household chores. It was published again in a mocktail booklet called Oxford Night Caps. The recipe was different than what one would expect, with calves feet, for gelatin of course, and raw eggs. In France, lemonade is given as a few syrups with lemon juice and water, which one is expected to combine to match their tastes, similar to how people prefer their tea and coffee. In Portugal and Northern African countries, lemonade features cold brewed coffee!

As time went on, lemonade took off as a concept. Women’s temperance groups, those who do not drink alcohol, urged people to consume non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade. Presidents and first ladies have continued to serve this delicious drink. Overall, lemonade has had a long history. One thing has stayed the same, lemonade offers a refreshing and healing treat, helping sailors, doctors, and vendors alike.