Ingredients
Orange Syrup
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 3-4 small oranges or 2 large oranges)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (juice of 3-4 small oranges or 2 large oranges)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
To Serve
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Zest and Juice the Oranges: Using a microplane or fine grater, zest 2 large or 3-4 smaller oranges. Then, juice the same oranges to yield about 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Set the juice aside.
- Create the Sugar-Zest Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Massage the mixture with your fingers until the sugar becomes uniformly colored with orange, releasing the zest’s oils and aroma.
- Simmer the Syrup: Transfer the sugar and zest mixture to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice. Heat gently to a simmer, stirring occasionally until all sugar dissolves. Remove the pan from heat once dissolved and allow the zest to steep in the syrup for at least 20 minutes until the syrup cools completely.
- Strain the Syrup: Once cooled, strain the orange syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the zest pieces. Pour the strained syrup into a mason jar or storage container and seal tightly.
- Serve: To assemble the orange soda, fill a glass with ice cubes, add 2-4 tablespoons of the orange syrup depending on desired sweetness, then top off with sparkling water. Stir gently to combine and enjoy your fresh, homemade orange soda.
Notes
- The amount of syrup added to sparkling water can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness and intensity.
- Use fresh, ripe oranges for the best flavor and aroma in your syrup.
- Store leftover syrup refrigerated for up to one week.
- For a non-alcoholic cocktail twist, add a splash of club soda instead of sparkling water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
