Treat yourself to this delicious Orangeade! This refreshing recipe is super easy to make, ready in minutes, and couldn't be more delicious ... the perfect hot weather drink!
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Wondering what to make with oranges ... besides orange juice? While you certainly have lots of options, you simply have to try this tasty Orangeade!
You are going to LOVE this refreshing drink! This homemade ade recipe is an Orange Juice Lemonade combination that has a sweet-tangy flavor that's totally irresistible to both kids and adults.
Grab a glass of this delicious drink to cool off on a hot day, or make it anytime you need a pick-me-up! You only need three ingredients to make this popular Southern drink (plus water), and I'm sharing a clever trick that makes it super fast prepare!
Ready to start sipping? Then keep reading for all the details!
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Ingredients
This vibrant Orange Drink recipe uses simple, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Oranges - Fresh squeezed works best, so you'll need some oranges. Choose the juiciest, sweetest ones you can find for the best results.
- Lemons - A little fresh lemon juice provides just enough tartness to balance the sweet oranges. If you're out of lemons, you can always add more orange juice, but try to include it if possible.
- Sugar - You'll combine granulated sugar with water to sweeten the drink.
- Water - This recipe has a clever trick for combining the sugar and water that eliminates the need to make simple syrup ... saving you time and effort!
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and gluten free ... so everyone at your table can enjoy it!
You'll Also Need
To make this recipe, you'll need something to juice the oranges and lemons (I used an old-fashioned citrus juicer), a measuring cup, and a heatproof pitcher to mix everything together. I used this glass pitcher and it worked perfectly for this recipe!
Tip: If you don't have a heatproof pitcher, you can use any heat resistant container (like a large mason jar or measuring cup) instead.
How to Make Orangeade
This recipe couldn't be easier (or faster) to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Juice citrus. Start by juicing your oranges and lemons. Tip: If you're not a fan of pulp, strain the juices using a fine mesh strainer before measuring and combining with other ingredients.
- Combine hot water + sugar. Combine the sugar with two cups of hot water (from your tap, not boiling) in a heatproof pitcher. Mix until the sugar has dissolved and the water is clear. Tip: This simple trick eliminates the need to make simple syrup that's called for in most Orangeade Juice recipes!
- Add juice + cold water. Stir in the fresh orange and lemon juice, plus an extra cup of cold water.
And that's all there is to it ... your Orangeade is ready to drink! Wasn't that simple?
Variations
This Orange Lemonade Drink is pretty perfect as-is! But if you can't resist customizing the recipe, then check out these easy ideas:
- Citrus - You can make this recipe with any type of orange, as well as different varieties, such as clementines, blood oranges, or tangerines.
- Lime - Swap out the fresh lemon juice for lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Honey - Replace the granulated sugar with honey to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Mint - Grab a handful of fresh mint leaves (I'd recommend at least 10) and stack them in the palm of your hand. Use your other hand to firmly smack the leaves about five to six times, until fragrant. Stir into the prepared drink, then let infuse for about an hour before serving. Garnish drinks with more fresh mint.
- Sparkling - To make a sparkling version of this drink, cut back the hot water to one cup (when mixing with sugar), then stir in two cups of cold sparkling water (I like Topo Chico!) along with the citrus.
- Juice Blend - Stir in a splash or two of another juice, such as mango, pineapple, or cranberry, to create a custom juice blend.
- Cocktail - Add some vodka, rum, or gin to create a refreshing cocktail.
Storage
Store any leftover Orangeade Juice in a covered container (such as a mason jar or pitcher with a lid) your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for two to three days. Make sure to stir before serving. Tip: The pitcher that I used comes with a lid, which makes storing leftovers super easy!
Related Recipes
Looking for more refreshing drink ideas? Check out these recipes next:
- Lemonade - Treat yourself to my favorite Homemade Lemonade or this easy Lemonade for One! For a twist on the classic recipe, try this Watermelon Lemonade, Rhubarb Lemonade, or Strawberry Lemonade.
- Iced Teas - Cool off with a refreshing glass of Peach Green Tea or this unique Green Tea with Coconut Water.
- Juices - Make this Homemade Mango Juice and this Fresh Watermelon Juice in your blender, no juicer required!
- Sodas - Relax with this refreshing Rhubarb Soda ... it's so easy to make!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Orange Juice and Orangeade are similar, but different. Orangeade is actually made from orange juice that has been mixed with lemon juice, sugar, and water.
Orangeade is made with fresh orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and water.
Orangeade has a sweet flavor that's similar to soda. Unlike soda however, it is not carbonated ... it's more of an Orange Drink than a soda.
Orangeade has a sweet, tangy flavor that's a cross between fresh squeezed orange juice and lemonade.
An ade (or aide) drink is made by combining fresh citrus juice (such as lemon or orange) with sugar and water. Lemonade and Orangeade are two popular ade drinks.
Orangeade
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4 large oranges)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 to 3 large, juicy lemons)
Instructions
- Combine sugar and 2 cups hot water (from the tap, not boiling) in a heatproof pitcher.
- Mix water and sugar together until sugar has dissolved and water is clear.
- Stir in orange juice, lemon juice, and 1 cup cold water. Mix well.
- Serve over ice. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
