Cold Drink
A refreshing citrus cold drink perfect for hot days, featuring bright flavors of orange and lemon infused with a tangy citric acid. Sweetened with sugar and diluted with water, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, ideal for gatherings or a cool treat anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate lightly the peel of both oranges and lemons.
- Squeeze the fruits; put peel and juice in a large pan.
- Add citric acid, water, and sugar to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil.
- Let the mixture stand for 24 hours.
- Strain the syrup into jars.
- When ready to serve, dilute the syrup with three parts water.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider adding a few sprigs of mint to the mixture while it cools. If you're short on sugar, honey can be a great substitute, but adjust the quantity to taste. Ensure you use fresh citrus for the best flavor. This drink can be adjusted for sweetness depending on your preference; taste before diluting with water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing cold drink over ice for the perfect summer treat. It pairs wonderfully with light dishes like Quick Artichoke Pasta Salad or Lemon Broccoli for a balanced meal. For a party, consider serving it alongside a variety of Mediterranean recipes to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover syrup in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To serve later, simply dilute with three parts cold water. If the syrup thickens, give it a gentle stir or shake before diluting. Avoid freezing, as this may change the texture and flavor of the syrup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Drink contains roughly 184 calories, with 3g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon and orange juice instead of fresh?
While bottled juice can save time, using fresh citrus provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the overall drink. If you must use bottled juice, aim for high-quality, 100% juice with no added sugars for the best results.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar during the initial mixing process. Start with the recommended amount and taste the syrup before diluting. If you find it too sweet, you can dilute with more water when serving.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Yes, this cold drink is perfect for kids! The vibrant citrus flavor is appealing, and you can control the sweetness to suit their taste. Just ensure to dilute it well with water before serving to make it refreshing and not overly concentrated.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).