Mia’s Lemonade

«Lemonade, that cool, refreshing drink.» From Eddie Murphy’s Elvis parody to Mia’s actual citrus concoction. It doesn’t get any better in the Western suburbs.

Do I like lemonade? Guilty as charged! So, needless to say, I’ve been to my fair share of lemonade stands around the world. (7,147 at last count.) But when I serendipitously discovered Mia’s Lemonade Stand in Western Springs during a recent road trip looking for antique shoelaces, it’s as if all other lemonade establishments never existed.
For starters, the atmosphere was perfect. Green lush grass welcomed my feet while various species of tree and shorter, bushier foliage offered a visual smörgåsbord. Not an errant stick or piece of litter anywhere to be found. There were a multitude of imported and regional birds perched nearby that welcomed me with their unique songs. Several squirrel also peppered the landscape to add a brilliant touch of outdoor authenticity. The sound of friendly dogs barking were, I assume, piped in through unseen speakers adjacent to the stand. A nice touch indeed. The wide sidewalk offered a comfortable pathway for both east and west foot traffic. A rarity in many neighborhoods. Like they say: «Location, location, location!» An amateur hopscotch board had recently been chalked within view and, while hastily drawn, it’s child-​like subtlety added to the décor rather than subtracted.
As I approached I noted the careful attention to detail Mia payed to her stand. A menu and pricing guide clearly written out with vibrant colored marker upon recycled construction paper made for ease of reading and ordering. The stand itself was clean and well maintained. Although stainless steal isn’t a look I would personally go for in a lemonade stand the Coleman X-​1000 double door cooler proved to be an astute decision when it came to Mia’s choice of how to store her lemonade. Mia and her staff were friendly, welcoming, and proved to be well versed in their knowledge of lemonade. That day’s offering was a perfectly chilled vintage served in an artisanal paper cup with ornate design reminiscent of Italian Impressionism. The lemonade was fresh, crisp and a perfect balance of both water and lemon flavoring. (I’m told it’s a family recipe more tightly guarded than Coca Cola’s or KFC’s.) Upon paying for the reasonably priced lemonade, I was given correct change and a warm smile.
As I lazily made my way back to my car, each sip offered a different flavor profile that brought back memories of childhood while, at the same time, creating new memories that are sure to be called upon for years to come.
During my transcendent visit to Mia’s Lemonade stand that warm, summer day I discovered a passionate proprietor with an unspoken commitment rarely found within today’s pre-​teen entrepreneur. Mia’s Lemonade Stand in Western Springs, Illinois is indeed a unique establishment that, over time, is sure to do Mia, and her community, well.

Ever since I was a bud, I dreamt of one day being made into lemonade. Not that processed swill you buy at the grocery; I’m talking the real, lip puckering deal.
I waited 2 – 4 months (standard grow and ripening time for a California Lemon like myself in peak season) to be picked, shipped and picked again from a crate of, if you ask me, less than adequate alternatives. It’s been a long trip, but yesterday… my dream finally came true all thanks to a young woman named, Mia.
Now, I’m happily waiting in a chilled pitcher ready to refresh a jogger, dog walker or anyone willing to pay the humble price Mia charges for her lemonade. And between you and I, I think she’d give it away for free if her father didn’t demand such a harsh cut of the profits… but I digress.
I give Mia’s Lemonade five stars (and I’d give her more if I could) because I know just how hard I worked to be here; so there’s no question of quality. And more importantly, I’ve seen first stem, Mia’s unrelenting commitment to bringing Western Springs (and the world) the perfect batch of lemonade.

Mia was dealt lemons and she made lemonade. Friendly service, well priced, convenient and the lemonade is outstanding. The 2015 batch has a smooth, citrusy open followed by a hint of lemon peel, burst of floral notes, invigorating tart essence, all culminating in a luscious, delicate finish. I think she should chain her stand and turn it into a franchise. I would invest.

Transcendent lemonade out of a poem or a dream — now available in 8 ounce servings in the western suburbs of Chicago.