Easy Orangeade Recipe {Fresh}

Quick and easy orangeade recipe, homemade with freshly squeezed oranges and lemon juice. It's a refreshing, classic homemade Summer beverage.

*Thank you Vital Proteins for sponsoring today's post so that I can share this recipe with all of you. As always, all opinions are mine.*

With the temperature hitting the high 90's, my family has been enjoying this beverage a lot along with this Sparkling Lemonade. We have been going through 1 large pitcher a day. Honestly, this is way better than anything you will ever buy at stores and tastes like fresh sweet and tart citrus lemonade.

With citrus season in full force, you should also try out these Orange Cupcakes and Easy Orange Cake (With Marmalade). I just love how refreshingly fresh oranges are and they work incredibly well in a wide variety of recipes.

Jump to:

• Key Ingredients
• Variations
• How to make easy orangeade recipe from scratch?
• Tips and techniques
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage
• More drinks and beverages
• Recipe

Key Ingredients

• Sugar- You can use various sweeteners, but granulated sugar is best.
• Oranges- Be sure they are ripe and juicy.
• Lemons- You may be tempted to use store bought lemon juice, but I don't recommend it.
• Water- Dilutes the juices and makes more to go around.
• Mint- Adds that perfect garnish and pop of flavor.

Variations

• Another garnish option- Could be fresh cranberries or these Sugared Cranberries (Candied Cranberries).
• You can use whatever sweetener you like- Such as granulated sugar, brown sugar, Stevia, honey, maple syrup e.t.c. The flavor will vary, based on what you use. The classic choice is always granulated sugar.
• Chill this in molds and you will end up with popsicles- For more details on how to do this, check out my post on How to Make Homemade Fruit Popsicles.
• To make fizzy version- Replace 4 cups water with sparkling water. You can also use a soda pop like 7up or Sprite.
• Instead of fresh orange slices for garnish- You can also use Candied Orange Peel and Slices.
• Add in some berries- Such as blueberries or raspberries for a new flavor and color.

How to make easy orangeade recipe from scratch?

Start off by making a simple sugar syrup. Then, mix in orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Cook this for another minute, remove from the heat, and add it to a prepared pitcher. Chill and enjoy!

Tips and techniques

• The amount of sugar can be adjusted- Based on your preference.
• You must must serve this beverage cold- For the best flavor possible. It's the same thing I recommend for this Ice Cream Float and Root Beer Float too.
• Use the sweetest and ripest oranges- That you can find for the best flavor. This way, you will have to add less sugar too.
• I don't add ice- Since I think that dilutes the orangeade as it melts but you can add ice, if you like. I get that in the hot summer all you want is something really cold, though, so here is cool idea: Watermelon Ice Cream (2 Ingredients).
• Use freshly squeezed- Orange juice and lemon juice over the store-bought bottles because it just tastes better. If you have some leftover slices or even the orange skins you can use them in other dishes for their zest and juice, like these Chocolate Orange Brownies.
• Collagen peptides- Or flavorless protein powder is optional.
• If you make this for a crowd- Just know this recipe can easily be doubled.
• Be sure to remove all seeds- From the orange juice and lemon juice before adding in the pan.

I added a packet of Vital Proteins collagen peptides in this recipe because it adds a boost of nutrition without affecting the color of flavor. I've even used them in No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Oats) and these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles (Eggless). Even my picky kid can't tell! I have been using Vital Proteins products for a few years now and their products are amazing. I highly recommend them! There are multiple flavors now and they are so easy to use. I love the packets because I can easily travel with them.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Refrigerate- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. 
• Room temperature- I don't like this warm or even at room temperature and don't recommend it.
• Freeze- Place in an airtight container that won't leak and put in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave space for it to expand as it freezes. Thaw and serve.
• Make ahead- You can make this up to 2 days a head time if placed in the fridge. You can also make it and put it in the freezer for up to 2 months, thaw, and serve when ready.

More drinks and beverages

• Champagne Jello Shots
• Pineapple Smoothie
• Non Alcoholic Christmas Punch
• Green Kiwi Smoothie
• Iced Vanilla Latte

Recipe