Did you miss Lemonade Day?

So, here we are. We’ve missed out on a real Jazz Fest both this year and last year. The plan right now is to have Jazz Fest 2021 during the weekends of October 8th and 17th this year, so I hope that plan comes to fruition. The only bad thing about that, though, is we’ll miss out on Lemonade Day! I don’t know about everyone else, but I feel like the unsung heroes of Jazz Fest are the kids with lemonade stands all around the neighborhoods surrounding the Fairgrounds. The second weekend of Jazz Fest often falls on Lemonade Day, which is May 2nd. And even when it doesn’t, lemonade stands are still always around.

When you’re taking those long walks under the smoldering Louisiana sun from 10 blocks away, you can be sure to find at least a handful of stands along the way selling lemonade (sometimes in many flavors), water, and snacks. The drink itself is refreshing and much-needed, but seeing those smiling faces are priceless.

Lemonade Day was created in 2007 by Michael Holthouse to empower our younger generations to learn how to become an entrepreneur and run a small business. It is a lesson-based program, which includes lessons on measurable goals, developing business plans, money management, and more. Mr. Holthouse took something as simple and common as kids setting up a lemonade stand on a hot summer day to a whole new level. Not only do we benefit by getting some yummy drinks, but we can teach our kids valuable lessons as well!

With COVID restrictions starting to relax, you may want to think about helping your children set up a lemonade stand in your neighborhood. You can log onto lemonadeday.org to view the year's business results, register your stand for 2022, and download resources to teach your children those entrepreneurial skills. Or if you want to just make one pitcher of lemonade and sip at the house, that’s cool too! Below are some yummy recipes I’ve tried (and loved) to get you started! Enjoy!

Strawberry Lemonade Slushie (from thefrugalgirls.com)

Ingredients:

1 cup Frozen Strawberries

1 Tbsp Frozen Lemonade Concentrate

3/4 cup Sprite

1 Tbsp Sugar

Instructions:

1. Add ingredients to your Blender and blend thoroughly.

2. Serve in a Mason Jar and get ready to be refreshed… Yum!

*Note: This recipe only makes one serving, so if you’re making a bigger batch, you’ll need to multiply the amounts!

Easy and Healthy Lemonade (Sugar-Free) (from strengthandsunshine.com)

Ingredients:

1 Cup Water

1 Cup Granulated Erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener)

5-6 Lemons (1 Cup Juice)

3-4 Cups Water

Instructions:

1. To make the simple syrup, boil 1 cup of water on the stove before adding in 1 cup of granulated sweetener to dissolve. Remove from heat and allow it to cool while you juice your lemons.

2. Wash and slice your lemons in half before juicing the halves into a liquid measuring cup. You want 1 cup of lemon juice.

3. Add the lemon juice to a large pitcher, before adding 3 cups of freshwater to the juice. Add an extra 4th cup if you want the lemonade more diluted.

4. Now add the sugar-free simple syrup you made. Start with ¾ cup and add more if needed after taste testing.

5. Serve chilled with ice and extra

lemon slices if desired.

Homemade Blueberry Lemonade (From julieseatsandtreats.com)

Ingredients:

2 c. fresh blueberries

3/4 c. granulated sugar

2/3 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 c. cold water divided

Lemon slices and blueberries to garnish if desired

Instructions:

1. Place the blueberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water in a blender. Blend on medium-high speed for about 1 minute, until the blueberries are completely pureed. Strain the blueberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve (or skip this step if you don’t mind small pieces of blueberry in your lemonade).

2. Combine the blueberry puree with lemon juice and the remaining 3 cups of water. Add more water, if desired. Stir well, and chill. Serve over ice.