Pairings & Pours: Fizzy & Nostalgic - The Forgotten Magic of 25¢ Lemonade

The simple joy of sidewalk stands and porch swings and a preview of this weekend's lemony tradition

Today, we’re traveling back in time, celebrating lemons and lemonade, and the joy of being a kid in the 1970s.

Let’s take a walk down lemony lane to…

THE LEMONADE STAND 🍋

Raise your hand if you hosted a lemonade stand when you were a kid.

(Note: a kid of any age is perfectly acceptable at this table).

I did. My neighbors did. My friends did. My nieces and nephews still do.

I remember feeling like I was in charge of my own little plot of land—usually the sidewalk out front. A couple of chairs, one for me, behind a hand-drawn sign staking my claim as the business owner of this fine establishment. My sous chef, usually my mom, helped with the prep while my sisters and I carried out pitchers of homemade lemonade, cups, and a money jar for the counter.

Sometimes we added an awning made from a sheet of poster board. Nothing fancy.

For us, back then, it was all about the autonomy of running your own little world of lemons, pouring a glass for a friend or neighbor, and collecting 25 cents for it.

Before the first pour, of course, came the work:

We squeezed the lemons the old-fashioned way—by hand, with a citrus juicer. Seeds, pulp, zest, and sticky fingers everywhere. But we loved it. That mess meant something was happening.

It felt like a rite of passage, didn’t it? Maybe it still is.

I can still see it in my mind. And thank goodness, there was no social media to shape it.

No pressure to dress up or be “camera ready”. No branding. No influencers. No competing to out-sell the kid down the street. Just a simple, everyday kind of magic.

And maybe, just maybe, that magic hasn’t disappeared.

A few years ago, my niece and nephew, up in Carmel Valley, spent the morning juicing lemons. Then they loaded up their supplies, headed to the local park, set up shop, and sold lemonade. Before the day was done, a neighbor bought a cup and handed them a $100 bill.

A thoughtful gesture. A moment they’ll always remember.

That’s the beauty of a lemonade stand.

So, in honor of lemonade stands past and present, today’s Pairings & Pours brings a little sunshine to your glass.

muddled strawberries, lemonade, and a shot of vodka (or two)

Lemonade—Chilled, Muddled, Sparkling or Spiked

Lemonade is the perfect match for my great-grandmother Clara Baker’s Lemon Glaze Cake. The tart citrus paired with just the right sweetness is downright delectable.

I love Sparkling French Lemonade, the kind you can find at any Trader Joe’s, or a homemade version blended with strawberries that are just past their peak, begging for one more purpose before they lose their charm.

And of course, you can always punch it up with a shot (or two) of vodka or gin to elevate the moment.

No matter the pour, lemonade, and cake together feel like a trip back in time—to lemonade stands, porch swings, and sweet spring afternoons shared with friends and family.

Serve it:

• Chilled, straight from the bottle for a nostalgic nod

• Over ice with muddled strawberries for a touch of sweetness

• Spiked with vodka or gin for a grown-up twist

• Fizzy and fun, garnished with a twist of lemon, a sprig of mint, or a sugared or salted rim.

Whether you’re pouring for the kids—or they’re pouring for you (the non-alcoholic version, of course), take a seat on the porch swing or a stool at the stand. Savor the slowness. Let the bubbles rise, and the memories follow.

Cheers to the little stands that started it all.

nostalgic lemonade, a twist of lemon & a spring of mint

A Sip of Something More

Since we’re strolling down lemony lane, I thought I’d share a photo of my Great Grandpa, an avid gardener and memory maker.

His backyard was more than just rows of fruits and vegetables; it was a place of nourishment, generosity, and quiet kindness.

Pop Baker in his Hagerstown, Indiana garden

His garden fed many—family, friends, neighbors, even strangers. During the Depression, when times were tough and food was scarce, he set up his own kind of stand. No signs, no prices. Just baskets of produce, shared freely with anyone who needed it.

He didn’t collect quarters or dollars.

But he received so much more: gratitude, handshakes, heartfelt thanks, and big hugs of relief.

Sunday Preview: Clara Baker’s Lemon Glaze Cake

A zesty, tender classic from the family recipe box, brushed with a simple lemon glaze that soaks into every bite.

Pair it with your version of Sparkling French Lemonade: served as is, with fresh strawberries, or spiked for a sun-soaked twist.

Lemon lovers, this one’s for you.

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Ever run a lemonade stand or stop by one that left a mark, sparked a memory, made you thirsty, or reminded you of someone?

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