A few weeks ago, I did a recap on my favorite drinks for Spring. Well here is another one to add to that list. Orangeade.
This isn’t Orangeade’s first time on the blog. Last summer, when I was eating my way through Chapel Hill, NC, I had a delicious cup of it at Sutton’s.
I have many fond memories of this sweet. refreshing, orange looking, and tasting liquid. Growing up there was a pharmacy called Wad’s that served a delicious Orangeade with grilled cheese or a hot dog. I remember spinning around on the stools to the bar waiting for this delicious drink. The problem with Orangeade is that you have to pace yourself. I could easily drink an entire cup in a few seconds, but then it is all gone. It isn’t easy, but when drinking Orangeade, I have to slow down and enjoy it. Wad’s is no longer there, but luckily Orangeade is still around.
Orangeade is very simple. All you need is water, sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice. I also add a little bit of lemon juice for balance. That is all you need to create this delicious drink. It may be a little time consuming pressing the juice out of the oranges, but it is definitely worth it. Fresh squeezed orange juice is what makes this drink delicious, so DO NOT use the juice in a tube or carton. Squeeze you own. It will definitely be worth it.
The final result is a delicious refreshing Orange beverage that is perfect for any warm day or any outdoor entertaining you may do. When serving orangeade, it is best to serve it cold over ice. You can also make this into an adult cocktail by adding a little vodka. Whether it is for adults or kids, every guest will enjoy this delicious drink!
Classic Homemade Orangeade
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (6 oranges or so)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Cooking Directions
- In a large pot over medium heat, dissolve one cup of sugar into one cup of water. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup. Turn heat to low.
- Add 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (about 6 oranges) and lemon juice to the simple syrup. Stir.
- Add 3 cups water. Remove from heat and stir.
- Pour Orangeade into a serving container and keep refrigerated. Serve cold over ice.
© Taylor Mathis www.taylortakesataste.com
Yum! Making!
Awesome! I hope you enjoy!
Looks like a very refreshing drink. Yum!
Thanks Claire!
I just made this and it is SUPER good! I might cut back on the sugar a bit next time. I think my oranges were super sweet to start with. But I loved this drink!
Glad you liked it Shelby!
Oh, Taylor, I so did not need to know this, but thank you. I think I will try this with some delicious cara cara oranges.
Try in infusing the syrup before adding OJ. Flavors like: juniper, clove, chamomile, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon grass, jasmine, violet, lavender, cardamom, basil, mint, dill or ginger go well with the orange one. As so try balancing the sweet/sour contrast with apple cider, yuzu, chardonnay or champagne instead of lemon juice. Make your favorite combination and strain it into an ISI siphon for extra bubbles.
You pics are so beautiful…I am thirsty just looking at them, and its wintertime here!
Thanks Tenina!
Can you make this with frozen orange juice and real lemon juice??
I LOVE this drink HOT in the winter time!!
Wow! This really takes me back. Orangeade at Wad’s was a weekly tradition after playing tennis at Freedom park. I was looking for a recipe and thinking of that place but couldn’t remember the name. Thanks for the recipe and the memories.
I saw the comment about adding different flavors and juices. And that sounds great, if you want a orange punch. THIS is the classic, southern style orangeade I grew up drinking at Hollowell’s Drugstore in Eastern NC. No extra flavors or bubbles are required. Thanks for posting this recipe!!
This post gave makes me happy. When I was younger I would go to Coleman’s Pharmacy in my town with my grandma. They make orangeade and I love it. I remember asking them once how to make it, and once they said simple syrup I was bummed because I didn’t know what that was or where to buy it. Anyway, I have a 5 year old son now and about two weeks ago I took him into Coleman’s Pharmacy (which is still there, old timey barstools and everything) and remembered about orangeade. I had completely forgotten about it. He loved it, and now when I pick him up from school he always wants to go and get one. They make theirs with the syrup, squeezed oranges, and then top it off with Country Time Lemonade from the fountain drink machine. It’s crazy good, but it disappears from the cup too fast. Thanks for the post. I definitely plan on making this now that I know all you have to do is melt sugar and water together to make the syrup.
Friends just gave me a boatload of sour oranges. I’m gonna try this recipe. Thanks!
O awesome! Sounds delicious! A great way to ring in spring!