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.*
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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.
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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!
1.Add sugar and water- In nonstick saucepan.
2. Mix- Until sugar is dissolved and you have a simple sugar syrup.
3. Pour in- The orange juice and lemon juice.
4. Add the water- Into the pot and stir.
5. Cook for another minute- Then remove from heat.
6. Add orange slices and mint- To a large pitcher, add juice, then let chill.
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
Orangeade is made with fresh orange juice, lemon juice and a simple sugar syrup. Orange juice, on the other hand, is usually made with just freshly squeezed oranges and nothing else.
This may have something to do with using bitter oranges. Sometime, nature just gives you bitter oranges that are not sweet and that will affect the overall flavor of this drink.
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
Orangeade
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Granulated sugar Can also use honey
- 1 packet Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Optional
- 3 cups Orange juice Freshly squeezed
- ½ cup Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 4 cups Additional water Or sparkling water
- 6-8 Mint leaves Fresh
- 5-6 Orange slices Cut into thin round slices
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add water and sugar and cook over medium high heat until al the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add collagen peptides (flavorless protein powder) and cook it for a few more minutes until dissolves completely too.
- Add orange juice, lemon juice, water and cook for about 1 more minute and remove from heat.
- In a large pitcher, add mint leaves and orange slices.
- Pour the orangeade and chill for 1-2 hours until it's nice and cold. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Adjust amount of sugar based on your preference.
- You must use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice for best flavor.
- Don't add ice because it will melt and dilute the flavor. Instead, just chill in the fridge until it's cold.
- To make this fizzy, replace 4 cups regular water with chilled sparkling water. You will need to serve immediately to keep the fizz intact though.
- Collagen peptides are completely optional and can be omitted.
- Read additional tips and variations above.
- Leftover can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
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