YaYa’s Orangeade
This refreshing homemade Orangeade is a timeless recipe straight from YaYa’s kitchen. Made with freshly squeezed oranges, a touch of grated rind, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s a perfect thirst-quencher for warm days or family gatherings. It tastes like sunshine in a glass; bright, tangy, and beautifully simple.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh orange juice about 3–4 oranges
- 1 orange rind grated
- 1 pint cold water
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly and grate the rind from one orange.
- Squeeze the oranges to collect 2 cups of fresh juice.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, and grated rind. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool.
- Once cooled, add the fresh orange juice and 1 pint of cold water. Stir well.
- Chill thoroughly, or serve immediately over ice cubes in glasses.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
Making this Orangeade is simple, but a few small touches make all the difference. Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and sweetness, and don’t skip that bit of rind; it gives a subtle bitterness that balances the sugar beautifully.
- Always chill before serving to let the flavors blend.
- Use a fine grater for the rind to avoid large pieces of zest.
- If you like it extra tart, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- For a touch of sparkle, top with soda water right before serving.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
This recipe can be adapted for any occasion!
- Add a splash of club soda for a fizzy summer twist, or mix half orangeade and half iced tea for a Southern classic called an “Arnold Palmer Twist.”
- You can even freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for a sweet frozen treat on hot days.
If you’d like a cool pairing, serve it with Ranger Cookies; they make a delightful sweet-and-citrus combination. Or enjoy this drink alongside Hot Potato Salad; a perfect match for picnics and family gatherings.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
