A Thousand Things we’ve never done before… set up a Lemonade Stand.
Minty came up with the plan – to set up an Orangeade and Iced Tea stand on a Sunday afternoon. She decided to charge 50c a glass.
Having made the signs and worked out the best display she set about making the drinks. Minty used lots of freshly squeezed orange juice from the Silverlake Farm CSA oranges and some freshly brewed iced tea from LAMILL. The Hario filter-in wine style bottle tea pot ($34)(seen here with the green top) is a brilliant addition to any home. It would also make a unique and original gift – available from LA MILL. Throw in a few tins of special loose leaf tea and you have the perfect present – especially during the hot months of summer. You measure out a little loose leaf tea, add cold water and let it steep in the fridge over night. The resulting iced tea has a mild rich flavor and no bitter taste, plus it pours straight from the glass bottle which has a filter at the top – GENIUS! Thank you Craig Min!
Then Rémy wanted to join in the fun. Like the Little Red Hen, Minty had done all the setting up, prepping and gorgeous graphics but after a little persuasion she agreed to let him help. There was a constant stream of used glasses being returned to Papa in the kitchen to be washed and dried ready for new customers. I think she was very quickly grateful for an extra pair of hands and the company even if she did have to pay him.
I was really pleasantly surprised about how many people stopped for a drink – they had a steady stream of customers – including the mail man! The kids made a whopping $28 in less than an hour.
So next time you see a lemonade stand think of how much pleasure a dollar can give to the children who set it up – stop and play along. It won’t just be the benefit of an ice cold drink on a hot day that you get but a genuine smile from having helped make someone very happy.
Minty’s Orangeade Recipe
4 Navel Oranges, preferably organic and locally sourced
sugar
ice
1. Cut the oranges in half horizontally and squeeze all the juice out into a large bowl.
2. Add 3 cups of water and some sugar to taste (if needed).
3. Add lots of ice and serve immediately.
Leave a Reply