Crush Orange - 20oz Bottle Recipe

Prepare flavor blend

In a small measuring cup or jar, combine the orange syrup (3 fl oz), simple syrup (1 fl oz), and fresh orange juice (1 tbsp). Stir or whisk gently until homogeneous.

Add acidity and rounding notes

Add the citric acid solution (or lemon juice) 1 tsp and the pinch of salt to the flavor blend. Stir to dissolve. The acid brightens the orange flavor and the salt enhances sweetness perception.

Adjust aroma

Add 1 drop of natural orange oil or orange extract into the flavor blend. Stir gently—a single drop is potent; taste the blend diluted if possible and adjust by adding another drop only if needed.

Combine with carbonated water

Place a clean 20 oz (600 ml) bottle or a pitcher in the refrigerator to chill briefly if desired. Pour 16 fl oz chilled carbonated water into the bottle or pitcher. Slowly pour the prepared flavor blend into the carbonated water — pour down the side to minimize foaming and preserve carbonation. Stir once gently with a long spoon or invert the sealed bottle gently 1–2 times to combine; avoid vigorous shaking.

Taste and adjust

Taste the soda. If you prefer it sweeter, add up to 1/2 fl oz more simple syrup. If brighter, add an extra 1/4 tsp citric acid solution (or a few drops of lemon juice). Adjust in small increments, stirring gently after each addition.

Bottle and chill

Seal the bottle tightly with a cap if using a bottle, or cover the pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and carbonation stabilize. For best results, serve very cold.

If serving immediately in a glass, fill the glass with 4–6 ice cubes, pour 12–14 fl oz of the chilled orange soda, and garnish with an orange slice or twist on the rim.

If bottling for later, place the orange slice in the bottle for visual appeal, but note that fresh citrus in long-stored bottles can slightly change flavor over time.