For years, I’ve been working on a freshly squeezed lemonade that actually tastes like the kind you get at the state fair or a good farmers market. After a lot of trial and error, I finally landed on the right balance of sweet and tart, and this is the one I keep coming back to when the weather heats up. My kids love having their favorite lemonade at home, and I love not paying fair prices for it every time the craving hits. It’s simple, it works, and once you’ve made it a couple times, you don’t even have to think about it.
This classic state fair lemonade is the base I use for everything. Once you have it down, it’s easy to start switching things up. A State Fair Strawberry Lemonade version if you want something fruity, a Sparkling Lemonade when you want it a little lighter, or a Creamy Lemonade when you’re in the mood for something a little different. And if you really want to change it up, try making a Homemade Limeade for a fresh twist.
What is State Fair Lemonade?
If you've been to a big fair lately, you might have noticed folks walking around with those big deli containers filled with delicious drinks! Someone figured out that these containers can hold enough juice to make a refreshing lemonade using just one lemon, right in the container. Ever since then, they've become a hit at outdoor events, perfect for cooling off on a sunny day!
What are other names for this drink?
- Freshly squeeze lemonade
- Lemonade shake-up
- Hand-pressed lemonade
- Fresh lemonade
- Farmers market lemonade
What do I serve with this?
- BBQ meats
- Corn dogs
- Chili Cheese Dogs
- Smoked meats
- Watermelon or other fresh fruits
- Funnel cake
Yes, it is essential to wash the wax and other germs from everyone in the store handling it before using it. You do not need to use soap, just a gentle rinse, either with warm water or a quick vinegar soak.
If you would like your lemonade to taste more tart vs. sweet, then you can either start with less sugar or add more lemon juice. Just as if you have it tarter than you would like, you can add more sugar. But if you just want it to be more diluted, then add more water.
You do not need to roll the lemons before adding them to the container with the sugar. The muddler will do all the work of getting the juice and the oils from the lemon peels into the drink. By rolling them on the counter, you will be releasing some of the oils onto the counter that could be in your drink.
If you want to add another fruit, like strawberries or even blueberries, you can choose either syrup or fruit. It will depend on how intense you want the flavor of that fruit to be. You can muddle it with the lemons, but it still may not be as intense as you would like. So then you could use the syrup. Check out my strawberry lemonade recipe here.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Lemon—you can use limes instead of lemons to give you that twist like a Sonic limeade.
- Water – if you would like, you can use sparkling water in place of the regular tap water to give it some extra fizz.
How should I store my Lemonade?
State Fair Lemonade should be stored in a sealed, leak-proof container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best to store it without ice and give it a stir before serving. If you leave the lemon wedges in the container while it’s in the fridge, the lemon flavor will intensify. To maintain the original taste, I recommend removing the lemon wedges from the lemonade.
Equipment
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Lemonade Ingredients
- Lemon
- Sugar
- Water
- Ice
How to make State Fair Lemonade?
Add the lemon wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle the lemons and sugar together until the lemons soften.
Pour in the water and fill almost to the top with ice.
Place the cover on and shake the lemonade until well combined.
Using a paring knife, cut an X into the top of the lid and insert a straw.
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State Fair Lemonade
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- 32-ounce container with lid
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups ice
Instructions
- Add the lemon wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle them together until the lemons are softened and the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Pour in the water and ice.
- Secure the lid and shake well until everything is fully mixed and chilled.
- Using a paring knife, cut an X into the top of the lid and insert a straw to serve.
Notes
- A muddler is a simple tool used to press and mash ingredients to release their flavor. You’ll usually see it used in drinks. If you don’t have one, you can use the back of a wooden spoon, and it works just fine.
- If you don't have a 32-ounce deli container, just use any container you have on hand, then pour the lemonade into a glass filled with ice before serving.
- Always wash lemons before using to remove wax and germs—just a rinse with warm water or a quick vinegar soak is enough.
- For a more tart lemonade, reduce the sugar or add extra lemon juice. To make it sweeter, add more sugar. To dilute, add water.
- No need to roll the lemons before muddling; rolling releases oils onto the counter instead of into your drink.
- To make a flavored version like strawberry lemonade, you can use either fresh fruit or syrup. Muddled fruit adds subtle flavor, while syrup gives a stronger fruit taste.
Gimme all the lemonade! This takes me right back to being a kid at the fair!
It’s such a simple comfort.
We have a huge BBQ next weekend and I have been tasked with bringing a fun drink. So of course I tested it yesterday with the family. This drink is easy and so delicious. The kids already asked to make it again. It will be made on repeat all summer.
Yay! I’m so glad it was a hit with your family.
Can’t wait to try this delicious lemonade this summer! We used to have a lemon tree, and I miss making fresh lemonade. Looking forward to trying this recipe, and I love the strawberry version as well!
We used to have a neighbor that had a lemon tree and it was so nice having such an abundance of fresh lemons. Luckily Aldi has the bags of lemons for fairly cheap so we still make lots of lemonade.
I love this! It takes me straight back to sucking down one of these bad boys at the Indiana State Fair! Thanks for taking me back!
I love a good recipe that brings back nostalgic factors.
Now I know why state fairs are so popular– this was SOOOOO good. Thanks for the great recipe. It was a hit with the kiddos pool-side! So refreshing.
I know! They are so amazing and I’m glad to save myself the money of not buying four of these when I go out now.