Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Recipe

Prepare oranges

Wash the oranges under cool running water to remove any residue. Roll each orange firmly on the countertop with the palm of your hand while pressing down slightly to soften the fruit—this makes them easier to juice. Cut each orange in half crosswise.

Juice the oranges

Use a manual citrus reamer, handheld juicer, or electric citrus press to extract the juice from each orange half into a bowl or measuring cup. If you prefer a pulp-free juice, strain the collected juice through a fine-mesh sieve into another container, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

Adjust consistency and sweetness (optional)

Taste the fresh juice. If it’s too strong, dilute with up to 1 cup cold water, adding gradually until you reach your preferred strength. If you prefer sweeter juice, stir in granulated sugar (about 1 tsp to start) or simple syrup a little at a time until the desired sweetness is reached. Stir until dissolved.

Chill and serve

Fill glasses with ice cubes if desired. Pour the juice over the ice and garnish with a mint sprig if using. Serve immediately for best flavor and maximum vitamin content. Fresh squeezed orange juice is best consumed within 24–48 hours if refrigerated in a sealed container.

Storage

Transfer any leftover juice to an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 1–2 days for best taste and freshness. Stir or shake gently before serving as natural separation may occur.