Name: Del Tacos Fanta® Orange Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 cups water (for syrup); 2 tbs light corn syrup; 1 tbs fresh orange zest (finely grated); 0.25 cups fresh orange juice (strained); 0.5 tsp orange extract; 0.5 tsp citric acid (food grade); 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh); 4 cups cold carbonated water (soda water); 1 cup ice cubes; 1 to taste orange slice (for garnish)

Method

Syrup Base

Make simple syrup with corn syrup

Combine 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture just reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes to slightly thicken. Remove from heat.

Allow the syrup to cool for about 10 minutes off the heat so it is warm (not hot) before adding delicate flavor components.

Orange Flavoring

Infuse and blend orange flavor

While the syrup is still warm (but not hot), add 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh orange zest. Stir and let infuse for 5 minutes to extract oils. After 5 minutes, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or measuring cup to remove the zest solids.

To the strained syrup, add 1/4 cup strained fresh orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon orange extract, 1/2 teaspoon food-grade citric acid, and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Whisk thoroughly until fully dissolved and evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust acidity or orange extract: add up to another 1/4 teaspoon orange extract for stronger aroma or up to 1/4 teaspoon citric acid if you prefer brighter tartness.

Carbonation & Finishing

Chill and assemble

If the syrup is still warm, chill it in the refrigerator until cold (about 20–30 minutes) or place the container in an ice bath to speed cooling. Once syrup is cold, chill your carbonated water well so soda stays fizzy when combined.

Fill a large serving pitcher or individual glasses with ice (about 1 cup total for 4 servings). For each serving (approx. 1 cup/8 fl oz finished beverage), combine 3 tablespoons of the orange syrup with 1 cup of cold carbonated water. Pour syrup over ice, then gently add carbonated water to preserve bubbles. Stir once very gently to mix.

Garnish each glass with an orange slice. Serve immediately.

Notes: This recipe yields a lightly sweetened, bright orange soda reminiscent of commercial orange sodas. If you prefer a sweeter, more syrup-forward drink, increase syrup to 4 tablespoons per cup of carbonated water. Store unused syrup in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.