Lemonade stands have been a fun summertime activity for kids for almost 200 years. And now, they are being used to save lives every day, by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) stand hosts! But did you know that lemonade stands weren’t always for kids? From humble beginnings to world-savingwork , the history of summer’s favorite pastime is anything but sour. 

Let There be Lemonade

The origin of lemonade is debated, with versions of the drink hailing from all over the world. As lemons themselves originated in the Middle East, it is likely that the tangy treat comes from this region as well. Ancient documents reveal an Egyptian recipe from the 10th century that described mixing lemon juice with sugar. Other works prove the concoction was used medically throughout Arabic regions in the 12th century before spreading to Europe where it was used exclusively by wealthy elites. 

By the 17th century, ingredients became more widely available and refreshing lemon drinks trickled down to common folk. Since then, a carbonated version of lemonade has remained wildly popular in Europe. In the late 18th century, Schweppes started selling it by the bottle in Germany. European immigrants brought the sweet sips to America where carbonation was less popular and, thus, modern American lemonade was born. There are lots of ways to make lemonade — here are five of our favorite recipes. 

Standing Out

Remember those early lemon drinks in the Middle East? While they were expensive and used as medicine, they were still sold in markets, making them the first official lemonade stands!

In the 1600s, French vendors began selling lemonade in the streets of Paris out of tanks on their backs. This was so popular they started a union. Carbonated lemonade stands began popping up in markets all around Europe, skyrocketing in popularity with the convenience of bottled drinks.

In America, lemonade stands began lining the streets of New York toward the end of the 19th century. Buckets filled with inexpensive ingredients provided a cool refreshment after long hours at the factory and the sweltering sun. Shop owners even set up stands outside to drive more business. It was an efficient and cost-effective way for people of all backgrounds to make a buck. Today, it is still cost-effective. Not sure what supplies you need for a lemonade stand? We've got you covered with Lemonade Stands 101!

It’s a Kid’s World

In 1870, a 10-year-old Dutch boy named Edward Bok provided for his family by working in New York City. He noticed that men in horse-drawn carriages were able to easily get out and buy water whenever they needed. However, women and children did not have this luxury. Edward decided then to start his own business bringing water right up to the carriages. It wasn’t long until he had competition, so Edward knew he had to step up his game. He added lemonade to his menu and tripled the prices and before long, more customers wanted lemonade than water!

The ease of starting a lemonade stand combined with kids in school having summers off started a refreshing revolution. Soon, kids were peddling lemonade everywhere! For some, the money went straight to their families or a college education. But for others, it was all theirs. Most kids throughout the 20th century used their newfound pocket money to buy candy, toys, games, and all things fun.

In year 2000, one little girl saw the power in both kids and lemonade stands…

Taking a Stand Against Childhood Cancer

Alexandra “Alex” Scott was diagnosed with neuroblastoma right before her 1st birthday. While she remained tough and brave, Alex saw firsthand how devasting childhood cancer can be. She spent a lot of her life in the hospital, meeting both kids and doctors. She learned early on that a cure could be possible if only people put the same amount of time and money into childhood cancer as they did for adults. 

The day after her 4th birthday, Alex had a stem cell transplant and kept saying she couldn’t wait to go home and start a lemonade stand. Her mom, Liz Scott, recalls asking Alex, “What do you want to buy so badly?” Alex didn’t want to buy anything, she wanted to help other kids. 

Alex raised $2,000 that year for “her hospital” so that "her doctors" could help kids like her. This continued every year as her inspiring story caught like wildfire across headlines and national news outlets. Audiences were inspired by the intelligence and generosity of the beautiful little girl who wanted nothing more than to help others. 

In the year 2004, Alex set a goal of raising $1 million from lemonade stands. After hard work and lots of help, she did it! At only 8 years old, she made an impact that will never be forgotten. Sadly, Alex passed away later in 2004 but will always be remembered for her courage, intelligence, and of course, her lemonade stand. 

Alex’s Legacy

Today, Alex’s legacy has grown into Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) where more than $300 million has been raised so far to help fight childhood cancer. ALSF focuses on funding critical research to find new treatments and supporting childhood cancer heroes and families. Charitable lemonade stands are now more common, all thanks to one amazing girl and her dream of finding a cure. 

Host your own piece of history! 
You can be part of lemonade stand history and help kids with cancer, by hosting a lemonade stand. Find out how here.