Description

This Fresh Orange Lemonade, also known as Orangeade, is a refreshing and tangy beverage combining the bright flavors of freshly squeezed oranges and lemons sweetened naturally with honey or vegan alternatives. Perfect for hot days, it offers a delightful balance of citrusy zest and sweetness, served chilled over ice and garnished with citrus slices and mint for an inviting presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Juices

1.5 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4-5 medium oranges)
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)

Sweetener

1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup/agave nectar for vegan options)

Liquid & Garnish

3.5 cups chilled water (still or sparkling)
Ice cubes
Citrus slices (orange and lemon) for garnish
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Juice the citrus: Start by juicing the oranges and lemons to obtain 1.5 cups of fresh orange juice and 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Use a citrus juicer or manual squeezing for best results.
Mix sweetener and juices: Pour the freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices into a large pitcher. Add 1/3 cup of honey (or your preferred vegan sweetener). Stir the mixture until the honey is fully dissolved into the citrus juices.
Add chilled water: Gradually pour in 3.5 cups of chilled water—still or sparkling, depending on your preference—while gently stirring to combine all ingredients evenly without losing the sparkle if using sparkling water.
Serve and garnish: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes, pour the prepared orange lemonade over the ice, and garnish each serving with citrus slices and optional fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.

Notes

Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less honey or sweetener.
For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Use sparkling water for a fizzy variation, or still water for a classic lemonade texture.
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor or chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the citrus flavors if desired.