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orange lemonade with ice orange slices and lemon peel

Orange Lemonade

A bright, balanced lemonade built on fresh orange and lemon, with peel-infused syrup for depth and clean citrus oils. Juicy, refreshing, and structured — unmistakably lemonade, not watered-down orange juice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Drinks
Calories: 90

Ingredients
  

CITRUS STRUCTURE
  • 2 item oranges pulp; seeds removed
  • 1 item lemon pulp; seeds removed
PEEL-INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP
  • 180 ml water
  • 150 g white sugar
  • 1 item orange zest colored layer only; added off heat
  • 1 item lemon zest colored layer only; added off heat
LEMONADE BASE
  • 400 ml fresh orange juice
  • 120 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 120-150 ml peel-infused simple syrup to taste
  • item fine sea salt pinch
  • 1 L ice-cold water
TO SERVE
  • item ice
  • item orange slices
  • item lemon peel twists

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and heat gently, stirring just until the sugar fully dissolves, without boiling; remove from heat, add the orange and lemon zest, cover, and let steep for 10–15 minutes until aromatic, then strain and let the syrup cool completely.
  2. In a large pitcher, add the orange pulp and lemon pulp and mash gently with a muddler just until juice is released and light structure forms, keeping texture intact and avoiding a purée.
  3. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, 120 ml of the peel-infused syrup, the pinch of fine sea salt, and the ice-cold water, then stir well and taste, adjusting carefully by adding more syrup for sweetness, more lemon juice if it feels too orange-forward, or more water if the flavor is too intense.
  4. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until fully cold and the flavors are integrated.
  5. Fill glasses with ice, pour over the orange lemonade, and garnish with orange slices and lemon peel twists.

Notes

  • Lemon should support and structure the drink, not dominate it.
  • Peel oils are non-negotiable — they give depth and adult citrus complexity.
  • Salt is invisible but essential; it sharpens both orange and lemon.
  • The finish should be bright and juicy, never sweet and dull.
  • Keeps well refrigerated for up to 48 hours.