Fanta Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons light corn syrup if using. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar fully dissolves and mixture briefly comes to a simmer. Do not boil aggressively. Remove from heat.

Cool the syrup to warm (about 40–50°C / 105–120°F) before mixing with cold juices to preserve fresh flavors.

Prepare juices and zest

While syrup cools, zest one orange finely until you have about 1 teaspoon. Juice oranges to yield 1 cup fresh orange juice and squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Strain juices through a fine sieve to remove pulp and seeds for a clearer soda (optional).

Combine flavor components

In a bowl or jar, combine the cooled simple syrup with the 1 cup strained orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 1 teaspoon natural orange extract. Stir or whisk until fully blended.

Stir in 1 teaspoon citric acid to the syrup-juice mixture until dissolved. If you want a slightly sharper, more soda-like tang, add 1 teaspoon tartaric or malic acid as well. Taste and adjust: citric acid brightens the orange; add up to an additional 1/2 teaspoon total if needed, but be cautious — acids are concentrated.

Chill and carbonate

Place 2 cups of ice into a large pitcher. Pour the prepared orange syrup concentrate over the ice. Slowly add 4 cups chilled carbonated water (or adjust to taste for sweetness/strength), stirring gently once to combine. Avoid vigorous stirring to preserve carbonation.

If using, add 2 drops food-grade orange oil or additional orange extract for an intensified aroma and 1 drop of carrot juice or a single drop of orange food coloring to achieve the classic bright color. Stir gently.

Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add more chilled carbonated water; if too tart, add a little more simple syrup (1 tablespoon at a time).

If you plan to store syrup for more than 2–3 days, stir 1 teaspoon sodium benzoate into the concentrate while still warm (follow recommended food-preservative guidelines). Refrigerate the concentrate in a sealed container up to 2 weeks. Carbonate only when ready to serve.