Want a homemade alternative to sugary store-bought orange sodas? Look no further. This homemade treat is one your entire family will love.
Isn’t there just something about that classic orange soda that brings you back to your childhood? It does for me. Except that when I take a look at the nutrition label, it’s a rude awakening from my childhood memories. Artificial coloring, preservatives, and natural flavoring instead of real oranges? No, thanks.
Here at MOMables, we understand the need and want for homemade recipes, drinks included, made with real ingredients. In our Homemade Orange Soda, you will find oranges and sparkling water.
It’s really that simple. No, it won’t taste exactly like your childhood orange soda, but that’s because we don’t put artificial ingredients in ours! Besides, you don’t want it to taste exactly the same. Yours will be healthier and better for you.
Getting my daughter involved in the kitchen always helps her want to eat healthier. Not only did she enjoy helping squeeze the oranges to make the juice, she enjoyed watching the entire process! Being able to try the soda at the end was almost like a prize to her.
We decided to squeeze a bunch of oranges and keep the orange juice in the fridge so that we could make our soda throughout the week. It was delicious and refreshing! You will not be disappointed! You can always add more sparkling water or more freshly squeezed orange juice to your liking.
My four oranges yielded 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. One cup of orange juice yields 3 servings of homemade orange soda. Serve with some slices of oranges if desired.
Homemade Orange Soda
- Yield: 3 1x
Ingredients
- 4 oranges, washed and dried
- Orange zest (from the 4 oranges)
- Sparkling water
- Simple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry your oranges, then take the zest from the four oranges and set aside.
- Squeeze the oranges (4 oranges = approximately 1 cup).
- Mix freshly squeezed orange juice with the zest, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Push the orange juice and zest through a strainer to remove the large pieces of zest, pulp, and seeds.
- To make the soda, mix ⅓ cup of orange juice and ⅔ cup sparkling water over ice (add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup, if desired.)
Notes
To make Simple Syrup (optional): Heat 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir. When the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and allow it to cool. You can keep the simple syrup in the fridge for up to a month in an airtight container.
Charlene
I use a SodaStream to make carbonate water, and add different fruit juices to it. I have been doing this for years. On the plus side my child won’t drink anything fuzzy and she’ll be 5 soon.
Ruby
My 6 y son loves just orange juice with sparkling water. It is the best soda he says. no need to add simply syrup.
happyvballgirl
What a FABULOUS ideas! Pinned and I’m definitely making this for my soda-lovin’ daughter. THanks a bunch!
Christine :)
Michelle
Thanks Christine! We all love it in my family– and it actually is much more refreshing than actual soda! :)