Fanta Orange Recipe

Prepare orange juice

Wash and dry 2–3 medium oranges. Zest one lightly (about 1 tsp). Juice the oranges to yield 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh orange juice. Strain through a fine mesh if you prefer a smoother soda without pulp.

Make simple orange syrup

In a small saucepan combine 2 tablespoons water and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Add the orange zest. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar fully dissolves, about 2–3 minutes. Do not boil; you only need to dissolve the sugar and infuse the zest.

Combine and acidify

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon of 5% citric acid solution (or a pinch — about 1/8 tsp — of powdered citric acid dissolved in a little water if you don't have a solution) to give the soda that bright tartness. If using orange extract or oil for a stronger orange aroma, add 1/4 teaspoon now. Taste and adjust: it should be noticeably sweet with a tangy lift.

Cool the syrup to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents excess CO2 loss when mixed with carbonated water.

Prepare glassware

Fill a tall glass or pitcher with ice cubes (about 1 cup per serving glass). If making multiple servings, use a pitcher and keep some ice on the side to avoid diluting the entire batch.

Mix syrup and carbonated water

For one serving (about 12 fl oz / 360 ml): pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the chilled orange syrup into the glass, then gently add 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold carbonated water. For a lighter soda, increase carbonated water to taste. Stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine — avoid vigorous stirring to preserve fizziness. If making 4 servings, combine 1 cup (240 ml) syrup with 3 cups (720 ml) carbonated water in a chilled pitcher and stir gently.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with an orange slice on the rim. Serve immediately so the drink remains fizzy.