Fanta Recipe

Make simple orange syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Add the finely grated orange zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid comes to a gentle simmer (about 4–6 minutes). Do not boil vigorously—just enough to dissolve and infuse the zest. Once sugar is dissolved, remove from heat.

Allow the syrup to steep with the zest for 10–15 minutes to extract oil and aroma from the zest. After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest solids into a clean heatproof container. Discard the solids. Cool the syrup to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) or speed-cool in an ice bath.

Add citrus and acidity

While the syrup is still warm or at room temperature, stir in 1 cup strained fresh orange juice and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until fully combined. Add 1 teaspoon citric acid and whisk until dissolved. Taste and adjust: for brighter acidity add up to 1/2 teaspoon more citric acid or 1/2 tablespoon more lemon juice, but add gradually.

Chill the combined syrup mixture in the refrigerator until cold (at least 30 minutes). Cold syrup helps preserve carbonation when mixed with sparkling water.

Assemble the Fanta-style soda

For each serving (about 1 cup/8 fl oz finished): add 2–3 tablespoons of the chilled orange syrup mixture into a tall glass (use 3 Tbs for a sweeter, fruitier drink). Add ice if desired. Pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) chilled carbonated water over the syrup slowly to preserve fizz. Stir gently once or twice to combine.

If using, add 1–2 drops of orange food coloring to match the classic bright orange hue and stir gently to distribute. Garnish with an orange slice or wheel.

Serve immediately. Store any leftover chilled syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Do not carbonate the syrup itself; always mix with chilled carbonated water at the time of serving for best fizz.