Orange Fanta Recipe

Make orange simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Add the finely grated orange zest. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves (about 3–4 minutes). Do not boil vigorously — a gentle simmer extracts flavor without reducing too much.

Remove pan from heat and let the syrup steep with the orange zest for 10 minutes to extract aroma and oil. After steeping, stir in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon citric acid until dissolved. If using, add 1/4 teaspoon natural orange extract or a drop of orange oil for a brighter, more soda-like flavor. Taste and adjust: add up to another 1/4 tsp citric acid for more tang or up to 1–2 tbsp extra orange juice if you prefer fruitier note.

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container to remove zest and any pulp. Let cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (about 30–60 minutes). The syrup will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

Fill a 1‑liter pitcher or four 12‑oz glasses with ice (about 2 cups ice total for recipe quantities).

Measure the chilled orange syrup. For a balanced orange soda, use 3/4 cup syrup for the 4 cups (approx 1 liter) of carbonated water (this yields a soda similar in sweetness and intensity to commercial orange Fanta). If you prefer sweeter or stronger orange flavor, increase syrup to 1 cup; for lighter, use 1/2 cup.

Pour 3/4 cup chilled orange syrup into the pitcher or, if making individual glasses, divide proportionally (about 3 tablespoons per 12‑oz glass). Add 4 cups chilled carbonated water slowly to preserve fizz. Stir gently with a long spoon just 2–3 turns to combine — avoid vigorous stirring which flattens the soda.

Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness: add a dash more citric acid (1/8 tsp) or a squeeze of lemon if it needs brightness, or a tablespoon of syrup if it needs sweetness. If the soda is too strong, add more chilled carbonated water.

Pour into chilled glasses over ice. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately to preserve carbonation.

Leftover syrup: store in the refrigerator up to 1 week. To make additional batches, maintain the ratio: roughly 3/4 cup syrup per 4 cups carbonated water (or adjust to taste).