Whether you’re looking to cool off in the summer heat or simply after a cooling refreshment, this 3 ingredient orangeade is the recipe for you!
It’s the orange equivalent of lemonade and a bit of an interesting change to the classic. Features minimal ingredients and effort for more time to kick back, relax and enjoy the day ahead. You’ll be able to satisfyingly sip away on homemade orangeade in no time.
How this orangeade recipe came to life:
It all started with it being national lemonade day… and all the best intentions of making lemonade. Until I discovered that there weren’t any left! So, I decided to get a little creative and use what I did have. Which happened to be plenty of oranges
And that is essentially what brought this cold drink recipe into existence and how the joy of orangeade was discovered. A lovely vibrant citrusy drink that may just be enough to brighten your day and give you the energy to make it through.
This recipe also doesn’t require any type of sugar syrup, which makes it super easy to throw together. You don’t even need to heat a thing to get this drink made! Just grab a large jug to mix it all in and you’re pretty much all set. Glass jars, containers or any other vessel will also suffice, depending on the occasion of course.
Orangeade Ingredients
The most amazing thing about making this recipe is that it’s a 3 ingredient concoction!
Orange Juice
From freshly squeezed oranges to make the best-tasting drink! This also allows for control and customisation over the amount of sugar added into the mix, unlike the store-bought varieties.
I prefer to include the pulp in my orangeade, however, you can strain the juice through a sieve if you’d prefer it without.
Tip: Get the most out of your oranges by first rolling it a few times on your benchtop with gentle pressure. This will help to release the juice and maximise the volume from each orange (for less waste).
You can also zest the orange before you juice them to add in that extra flavour or save for baking/ cooking later.
Caster Sugar
The finer variety of white sugar. It’s quick to dissolve and gives it a light sweetness which brings out the flavour of the orange.
Stir into the orange juice to dissolve without the need for simple sugar syrup or any type of heating.
Alternatively, you could also try it with honey as a replacement or a sweetener. If you do use a sweetener, however, you’ll first need to dissolve it in some hot water before adding it to the mix.
Depending on the variety and sweetness of the oranges you use, you may need to add a touch more sugar if it’s not sweet enough. The amount of sugar you add is completely customisable so don’t forget to give it a taste and adjust accordingly.
Still or Sparkling Water
Both give a slightly different experience but are delicious in their ways. It all depends on what you feel like really and what you’ve got available. Whether you want something smooth and soothing or fresh and bubbly… the choice is yours, so use what you feel like!
Note: If you are using sparkling water I suggest only adding it in when you’re ready to serve. That way you can maintain all that bubbly goodness. Still water, on the other hand, can be added straight away and stored beforehand.
Orangeade Garnishes:
Sliced Orange
To make it even more inviting than it already is!
You can balance it on the side of the glass or even have it sitting in the glass. However you choose to use it, sliced orange make a perfect edible garnish!
Ice cubes
There are so many options for including…
- Regular ice cubes made of water.
- Floral ice cubes. To take it to the next level! Made by first placing edible flowers in an ice cube tray, topping it up with water and then freezing. Check them out in this passionfruit green tea!
- Orange juice ice cubes. Which is simply orange juice frozen in ice cubes. Opting for these will ensure that your drink doesn’t become diluted. And will add even more orange juice as it melts down into your orangeade.
- Frozen Fruits: Such as cubes of orange, apple or even grapes. Much like frozen orange juice, this option prevents you from diluting your drink further as the fruits thaw and cool the orangeade. Allowing the orangeade flavour to be maintained.
Herbs
Throw in a bit of greenery for the sensory effect and to add a bit of interest to the cup. Not to mention a great colour contrast. I went with a few sprigs of mint in each glass. You could also try rosemary or thyme.
Edible Flowers
To dress your drinks up for the party! You can add in a few to each cup as you serve, toss a few in your jug/ pitcher and/or use a few to decorate your serving platter. Just to make things a little more fun and summery.
Now let’s get onto that recipe!
Homemade Orangeade
Ingredients
- 2 cups (500ml) Freshly squeezed orange juice from 8-12 oranges approx.
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp (65g) Caster sugar
- 3 cups (750ml) Still or sparkling water
Optional Garnishes
- Orange slices
- Sprigs of mint
- Edible Flowers
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine the orange juice and sugar in a large jug and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour in the water and give it a quick mix to combine.
- Serve immediately with orange slices, mint, edible flowers and ice cubes if desired.
Notes
- If using still water, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- If using sparkling water and not serving immediately, I suggest keeping the element separate and then assembling as required.
If you give this recipe a go, don’t forget to tag @theculinaryletter and #theculinaryletter, so I can see all your wonderful creations!
MORE Drinks from The Culinary Letter
- Pecan Milk
- Homemade Chocolate Milk
- S’ mores Hot Chocolate
- Coconut Chai with Cream Cheese Topping
- Sparkling Passionfruit Green Tea, Passionfruit Soda and Mango Passionfruit Fizz
And that is how you make this super simple and delicious homemade orangeade with only 3 ingredients! Such a tasty treat and change to lemonade when you need something cool.
Until next time, stay curious!
Laura
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