August 20 is National Lemonade Day.

We think mixing a tall pitcher of lemonade or stopping by a young entrepreneur’s stand is integral to an idyllic summer — on par with outdoor festivals, beach trips and porch swings. Varying legends place the origins of the popular beverage in 14th century Egypt as well as 17th century France, but stateside we can celebrate with National Lemonade Day on Aug. 20.

The date is supposed to coincide with the day it was introduced in Paris in 1630. Pink lemonade has an even more uncertain — but appropriately colorful — past. While some say the beverage originated with Native Americans, who used crushed red sumac berries in beverages, others say Henry E. Allot, a turn-of-the-century circus traveler, accidentally created the drink when he dropped red cinnamon candies into a tub of regular lemonade. Another story says that Pete Conklin created the first batch in 1857 when he ran out of water for his circus lemonade stand, then hastily refilled with water from a laundry tub where a horseback rider had previously washed her red tights.

Today, there are plenty of lemonade variations that don’t call for old laundry water. Santa Cruz Organic, which makes USDA-certified organic lemonade — including strawberry, mango and raspberry flavors — suggests creating a fizzy French-style drink by mixing one-part sparkling water to three parts lemonade. For cool melon flavor, Santa Cruz recommends pureeing watermelon, then freezing into cubes and adding to its bottled lemonade. For a twist — no pun intended — add a hint of lime. Or make basil simple syrup and add to taste; we found this recipe on eHow. For an herbal version lower in sugar, add a few springs of basil or rosemary.

Following is a recipe for classic lemonade from Sunkist, which also offers alternatives like orange lemonade, lemon-melonade and gingered fresh lemonade. Though a lemon wheel is suggested, the Sunkist website also offers distinctive garnish ideas, such as citrus shells and lemon boats.

Fresh Lemonade
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ cup sugar
4 cups water
1 lemon, unpeeled, cut into wheels for garnish
Ice cubes

In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and sugar; stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the remaining ingredients and blend well.

Serves 6.

NUTRITION SCORE (per serving)
108 calories
0% fat
Fat 0 g
Carbs 29 g
Protein 0.2 g
Fiber 0.2 g
Calcium 3 mg
Iron 0 mg
Sodium 0.7 mg

We think mixing up a batch of lemonade is a must for the end of summer. Plus, it’s packed with vitamin C and healthier than many other offerings you might find at a local festival or state fair, such as the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger. What summertime fare do you plan to enjoy as the season winds down?

Photo credit: Courtesy Sunkist

Tags: Ade, beverage, Egypt, eHow, Food and drink, France, Fruit, Fruit juice, Henry E. Allot, Hospitality/Recreation, large pitcher, Lemon, Lemonade, Non-alcoholic beverages, Paris, Pete Conklin, Santa Cruz, Soft drinks, Soft matter, Sunkist, tall pitcher, USDA, young entrepreneur