Orangina Recipe

Orangina Cocktail

1. 1

   Chill and prepare

   Place a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare ingredients. If using fresh oranges, roll them on the counter with your palm to loosen juice, then zest one orange to obtain a thin strip for garnish.

2. 2

   Juice and measure

   Juice enough fresh oranges to yield 3 oz (about one medium orange) of orange juice. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup to remove pulp and seeds if you prefer a smoother drink. Measure 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.25 oz simple syrup.

3. 3

   Build the drink

   Discard the ice water from the chilled glass if used and add 6 ice cubes to the glass. Pour in 3 oz fresh orange juice, 0.25 oz lemon juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. If making the alcoholic version, add 1 oz light rum now.

4. 4

   Add sparkle

   Top with 2 oz chilled sparkling water. Stir gently once or twice with a bar spoon to integrate ingredients without flattening the bubbles.

5. 5

   Garnish and serve

   Twist the orange zest over the glass to release oils, then rub the rim with the peel and drop it into the drink (or use a thin strip of peel twisted on a pick). Add an orange wheel to the rim. Serve immediately with a straw if desired.

6. 6

   Non-alcoholic variation notes

   To make a closer match to classic Orangina (which has gentle pulp and distinctive fizz), allow a small amount of unstrained pulp (reserve about 0.5 oz of pulp) and use very cold sparkling water. Adjust simple syrup to taste if your oranges are particularly sweet or tart.