Deb's Lemonade: Roanoke's Lemonade Stand

One of my most memorable experiences as a child is having a hot dog and frozen lemonade with my father at Deb’s Lemonade in Roanoke, Virginia. If summer Saturday errands took us far enough away from home (and close enough to Deb’s) we’d stop by.

Now if I’m in the area and it’s summertime, I still make time for a trip to Deb’s Lemonade.

three identical signs feature large lemons and read "Deb's Frozen Lemonade"

the Deb's Lemonade menu, featuring five sizes of Deb's Lemonade, hot dogs, chips, popcorn, and three special combos

Deb’s Lemonade has been served in the Roanoke Valley for over 40 years. The lemonade recipe hasn’t changed in that time. As you may have guessed, the recipe is top secret. Exactly what is in it doesn’t seem like much of a mystery. In fact, I don’t taste anything beyond water, lemon, and sugar! Slushy and ice-white with bits of lemon, it perfectly balances sweet and tart. The balance is what makes it special.

As far as I can tell, the rest of the menu hasn’t changed too much, either! Thankfully the offerings still include hot dogs, chips, pretzels, and popcorn.

three children in cloth masks pose in front of a small, brick building covered in lemons

Our Visit to Deb’s Lemonade

My daughter, son, great niece, and I visited once again this summer. It was my son’s first visit and my daughter, who had visited when she was much younger, didn’t remember her experience. It may as well have been her first trip, too!

The lemonade here is still served in plain white styrofoam cups and it is still the most refreshing drink I’ve ever tasted.

During our trip, Deb’s Lemonade has won over another generation. After a big slurp, my daughter remarked that it was the best lemonade she’d ever had! She finished the entire cup in minutes.

I agree. In fact, I don’t drink any other lemonades because they’re all too sweet or too acidic. Deb’s is perfect!