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, chilled
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the oranges: Using a microplane, carefully zest 2 large or 3-4 smaller oranges to collect about 2 tablespoons of zest. Then, juice these oranges to yield about 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Set the juice aside for later use.
- Infuse the sugar with zest: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the fresh orange zest. Use your fingers to massage and rub the zest into the sugar until it is evenly colored orange and fragrant, which helps release the essential oils for a more intense flavor.
- Make the syrup: Transfer the zest-infused sugar and the fresh orange juice to a small saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and warm the mixture gently, stirring occasionally. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer and continue stirring until all the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, turn off the heat and let the zest steep in the syrup for at least 20 minutes, preferably until the syrup has completely cooled to maximize flavor extraction.
- Strain the syrup: Pour the cooled syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the orange zest, ensuring a smooth syrup texture. Transfer the strained syrup to a clean mason jar or a bottle with a pump top for easy dispensing and storage.
- Assemble the soda: To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the homemade orange syrup to the glass, depending on your preferred sweetness intensity. Top off with chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to combine the syrup and soda, then enjoy your refreshing homemade orange soda immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of syrup added to the sparkling water based on your taste preference for sweetness and intensity.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best natural flavor; bottled juice may alter the soda’s taste.
- The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If you prefer a less sweet soda, use less syrup or dilute with more sparkling water.
- For a twist, add a few fresh mint leaves or a splash of lemon juice to your glass before topping with sparkling water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American