Orange Juice Recipe

Fresh Orange Juice

1. 1

   Prepare fruit

   Wash the oranges thoroughly under cool running water to remove any surface dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Roll each orange firmly on the countertop with the heel of your hand to help loosen the juice inside.

2. 2

   Cut and juice

   Cut each orange in half crosswise. Using a citrus reamer, handheld juicer, or electric citrus press, juice all orange halves into a large bowl or measuring cup. Press and twist each half to extract as much juice as possible. If using an electric juicer, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

3. 3

   Optional: adjust texture and sweetness

   If you prefer smoother juice with less pulp, pour the freshly squeezed juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher, pressing gently on the solids to extract liquid. If the juice tastes a little tart or not sweet enough, stir in up to 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (or 1 tsp simple syrup) and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Add 1/4 cup cold water if the juice is very concentrated or if you prefer a lighter mouthfeel.

4. 4

   Chill and serve

   Taste and adjust sweetness or dilution as desired. Chill the juice in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or serve immediately over ice cubes. Stir before serving. Pour into glasses and enjoy within 24–48 hours for best flavor and freshness.

5. 5

   Storage

   Store leftover juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Shake or stir before serving, as natural separation will occur.