Origins

The origins of lemonade trace back to medieval Egypt, with the first written records appearing in the 10th century. This early iteration, known as qatarmizat, was a sweet and sour concoction made of lemon juice and sugar that was sold and traded by the Jewish community in Cairo. Even earlier ancestors of the drink, such as kashkab, utilized ingredients like fermented barley, mint, and citron leaves, reflecting a long-standing Middle Eastern tradition of crafting refreshing citrus-based tonics for the desert heat.

By the mid-17th century, the beverage reached Europe and became an instant sensation, particularly in Paris. In 1676, street vendors known as limonadiers organized into a formal trade union, carrying ornate tanks of the drink on their backs to serve thirsty citizens. The drink’s evolution continued into the late 18th century when Joseph Priestley’s invention of carbonated water paved the way for "fizzy" lemonade. This sparkling variety was mass-produced by companies like Schweppes in the 1830s, firmly establishing lemonade as a global staple of both refreshment and social culture.

Children selling form lemonade
stand in Canada. Click image for
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