Homemade orange soda

Name: Homemade orange soda
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Québécoise
Ingredients: 3 tbsp (45 ml) orange zest (equivalent of about 3 large organic oranges); 1 cup (250 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (equivalent of about 3 large oranges); ½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar; Sparkling water to taste (Bubly orange if you find some, it makes the flavors explode even more); Ice cubes; Orange slices, to garnish

Preparation 45 min
Servings 5
Freezing I do not suggest

Ads

Orange syrup

3 tbsp (45 ml) orange zest (equivalent of about 3 large organic oranges)
1 cup (250 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (equivalent of about 3 large oranges)
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar

To serve

Sparkling water to taste (Bubly orange if you find some, it makes the flavors explode even more)
Ice cubes
Orange slices, to garnish

Ads

Preparation

Zest the oranges directly into a medium bowl. Then juice the oranges directly into a small saucepan to collect all the juice.
Add the granulated sugar to the bowl with the zest. Work the mixture with your fingertips for 2 to 3 minutes, rubbing vigorously, until the sugar is evenly coloured orange and an intense citrus aroma is released. This is the key step to extract the essential oils from the zest into the sugar.
Pour the sugar-zest mixture into the saucepan with the orange juice. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously.
As soon as the first signs of simmering appear (small bubbles starting to rise from the bottom), immediately remove from heat and whisk vigorously to completely dissolve the sugar. We definitely don’t want to boil for long. Just hot enough to dissolve.
Let cool about 30 minutes at room temperature, letting the zest continue to infuse in the syrup for maximum fragrance.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh to completely remove the zest. Transfer to a Mason jar or airtight bottle. Keep in the fridge up to 2 weeks (stir lightly before each use).
To prepare a soda: fill a large glass with ice, pour 2 to 4 tbsp of syrup depending on desired intensity (2 = mild, 3 = standard, 4 = punchy), top with cold sparkling water. Stir gently, garnish with an orange slice and enjoy immediately.