What is Orangeade?
Orangeade is a refreshing citrus drink made with freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and water. It is similar to lemonade or limeade, but made with orange juice instead. It is an old-fashioned recipe that was served in restaurants in the past, we never see it on the menu nowadays but luckily it is very easy to make at home! Made with minimal ingredients and effort, you can make it in just 5 minutes and then relax with a refreshing glass of orangeade to sip on.
Orangeade Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make it! Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Orange Juice: Store-bought orange juice is fine, but if you have oranges then freshly squeezed orange juice makes a big difference!Lemon Juice: Also freshly squeezed. You only need half a cup, which is about 3 medium lemons.Simple Syrup: Used to sweeten the drink. To make a simple syrup, combine an equal amount of granulated sugar with water in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil so that the sugar is dissolved in the water. Allow to cool down completely before using.Water: You can either use filtered water or soda water here.
How To Make Orangeade
Making orangeade is so easy – all you need to do is combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher, give it a good stir, and then serve over ice! You can also garnish each glass with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint.
Recipe Tips
If you don’t have or don’t want to make simple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar as a sweetener.To make Orangeade without lemon juice, simply omit it and add a little more orange juice to taste.To make a spiked orangeade, add 1-2 ounces of vodka, rum, or gin per person.Orangeade can also be made with blood orange juice, tangerine juice, or grapefruit juice for a different flavor.
Garnishes
If you’re serving this at a party, or have guests over for dinner, adding garnishes is a great idea! I suggest adding fresh mint leaves, and a slice of orange. And if you want to be a little fancy you can decorate with a maraschino cherry. Making your own ice cubes? Why not try orange juice ice cubes! These look nice and your guests will love them too! Plus, they won’t dilute your drink as they melt. For something extraordinary, make floral ice cubes by adding edible flowers to an ice cube tray, cover with water and freeze! You can also do this with pieces of fresh fruit.
Storing Tips
This orangeade recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and serve over ice. Orangeade is such a refreshing and easy drink to make, perfect for summer! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! © Little Sunny Kitchen
