When life hands you lemons, combine them with other fresh fruits, shake to perfection and serve them over ice.
“My wife and I were discussing what would have been really cool to have in Wharton when we were kids during the summertime, and what could we give our kids and the kids of Wharton. The answer we decided on was really good lemonade.”
We know that’s not how the saying goes, but that’s not stopping Alyssa and Charles Butler.
The couple recently created Texas Lemonade Co. in Wharton — a new-aged, organic lemonade stand.
“We wanted to do something for Wharton,” Charles told The County Gin. “My wife and I were discussing what would have been really cool to have here when we were kids during the summertime, and what could we give our kids and the kids of Wharton. The answer we decided on was really good lemonade.”
Through experimentation, the owners found that smashing the lemons and shaking each cup to blended perfection make the perfect lemonade.
They also discovered that by adding their handmade fruit purees, they could transform the nostalgic drink into a true craft beverage.
“We started really trying to perfect our lemonade,” Charles said. “Once we felt like we accomplished that, we started experimenting with creating our different flavors.”
From WAT-A-MELONADE, a watermelon infused lemonade, to the Texas Classic, these two continue to break the barrier as far as lemonade goes.
“We haven’t stopped creating new flavors,” Charles told The Gin. “We will get some requests or my kids or Alyssa will want to try something new. The Wifey, Alyssa’s favorite, combines prickly pear with lemonade and we add a blackberry drizzle.”
Texas Lemonade Co. made its first appearance at the Wharton County Farmers Market, and to the Butlers, it’s only the beginning.
“Back at the beginning of April, we decided to introduce our product to the farmers market, and the response is already great,” they said.
So great that the business has plans to introduce a trailer for a full-time stand.
“We have a trailer in the works,” Charles said. “I’d like to see a few more tents to expand Texas Lemonade Co. to more events, but we definitely don’t want to get too big.”
Charles and Alyssa said that they want the business to serve as a learning experience for their three young children.
“We what to provide each of them an opportunity to work and to help show them the value that comes with hard work,” Charles said.
As for now, Texas Lemonade Co. will continue to provide Wharton residents a refreshing, all organic craft beverage.
The stand will be at the Wharton County Farmer’s Market on Memorial Day weekend.
Those wanting to beat the Texas heat with a glass should head out to Guffey Park in Wharton. The market starts at 9 a.m. and continues through noon.
For more information, or to follow Texas Lemonade Co., visit them on Facebook.
