Del’s lemonade is derived from an age old recipe from Naples, Italy in the 1800’s, whereby snow was stored in a cave with and insulated with straw. When summer arrived the snow was mixed with fresh local lemons and sugar to make a thirst-quenching cold drink.  

At the turn of the century as the recipe was handed down in the DeLucia family, Franco DeLucia brought the recipe to Cranston, Rhode Island. At first sold in little stands then mobile units, there are now Del’s lemonade stands. There are franchises all over the country.

This refreshing treat has now been sold in Middletown and Newport for many years. The original lemon drink has grown to include many flavors of fruit. Watermelon, cherry, peach/mango, blueberry, light lemonade and two new flavors of grapefruit and pomegranate have joined the original lemonade drink. There are also mixes you can make at home.

The Del’s located on West Main Road in Middletown is owned by local businessman (and Middltown Town Council member) Bruce Long. This is his 24^th Del’s season.

Del’s is also located at the Perry Mill in Newport on Thames Street. In addition, Del’s has five trucks and seven carts that operate on Aquidneck Island. Not surprising, Long says that “business is best when the weather is good.”

The Middletown store is the only Del’s that has a seating area inside. It is air conditioned, has tables and chairs and an area for children to play. There is a coloring center and a four dimension tic tack toe game.

Del's Lemonade is located at 729 W Main Road, Middletown, RI, 02842. The phone number is 401-849-1040.