Summer Sunshine and Lemonade

According to Inc., “For such a small state, Rhode Island has a lot of weird food: New York System wieners, Johnnycakes, and our official state drink, coffee milk.” But we also have Del’s Lemonade, “it's not some sloppy gas station slushie; it is the perfect Rhode Island lemonade made with real lemon pieces.“

When Rhode Islanders think of summer, they definitely think of Del’s. Del’s is not just lemonade but a lemony summer frozen dessert drink.  According to the Del’s Story, “Great Grandfather DeLucia made the earliest Del’s Frozen Lemonade in 1840 in Naples… during the Winter he carried snow into nearby caves and insulated it with straw. When summer arrived and the local lemons were ripe and flavorful, he mixed their juice with just the right amount of sugar and snow. Thus making a refreshing drink, which he sold at the local market.” Great Grandfather DeLucia’s progeny brought the drink to America and “in 1948, Del’s Frozen Lemonade acquired its name and became the sole product sold at a little stand in Cranston, Rhode Island.” From humble beginnings this icy treat grew into a phenomenon and now there are over twenty franchises in 5 states!

Kids like Del’s. Horses like Del’s! Puppies like Del’s! Even Rams like Del’s! You can like Del’s, too! The closest one to the Bristol Campus is in Warren at 65 Child St. Enjoy the sunshine and enjoy the Del’s (just don’t eat it in the library!)