Orange Juice Recipe

Fresh orange juice

1. 1

   Prepare oranges

   Wash the oranges thoroughly under cool running water to remove any wax or residue. Pat dry with a clean towel. Roll each orange on the countertop applying light pressure with your palm to loosen the juice inside.

2. 2

   Cut and juice

   Cut each orange in half crosswise. Using a citrus reamer, manual juicer, or electric juicer, extract juice from all orange halves into a bowl or measuring cup. Strain the extracted juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a smoother juice (optional).

3. 3

   Adjust texture and sweetness

   If the juice is too strong or pulpy for your taste, stir in up to 1/4 cup cold water to lighten it. Add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice if desired; stir until sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust: add more water for a lighter flavor, more sugar for sweetness, or more lemon for brightness. If oranges are very sweet, you may omit sugar and lemon entirely.

4. 4

   Chill and serve

   Place the juice in the refrigerator for at least 10–15 minutes to chill, or serve immediately over ice cubes. Pour into glasses and garnish each glass with an orange slice or a sprig of mint if desired.

5. 5

   Storage

   Store leftover fresh orange juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Stir or shake before serving, as natural separation will occur. Do not freeze in the same container used for serving; if freezing, leave headspace.