Orangeade Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Feb 11, 2025 
My fresh and vibrant orangeade recipe is just like grandma used to make, but better. Why? I’ve put my own spin on the old-school recipe with a couple of not-so-secret ingredients that turn this classic southern soda fountain favorite into the perfect refreshing beverage for summer. It’s easy to make with fresh-squeezed juice and your choice of water or bubbly soda water, plus a homemade simple syrup that makes it taste even more amazing. You’ll lovely this delicious change up from classic lemonade and iced tea that’s delightful for warmer weather!
The first time I tried a true Southern orangeade drink was over two decades ago years ago, right after we moved to North Carolina. We uprooted from the Midwest and settled in a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I had just given birth to my son Carson and had made a local friend who was also a new mommy. Once a week we would meet to stroll our little bundles around the downtown area of our tiny mountain town. This particular day was hot. As we passed by a diner, my friend asked, “Hey, you want to stop and get an Arn-gid?”
Huh? A what??
I was still working my way through the Blue Ridge dialect, so it took a couple of tries before I realized she was saying Orange-Ade. And while I was already familiar with an Orange Julius recipe, had no idea what this drink was… I’ll never forget that funny conversation, or the addictive cool and sweet beverage that followed!
Table of Contents
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
- Southern by Nature – Orangeade has such deep southern roots, one taste might entice you to call it Arn-gid as well, with a sweet southern drawl. Y’all will definitely come back to this recipe… Ya hear?
- Bullet point two
- Bullet point three
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Freshly squeezed orange juice – First, like with lemonade, start with fresh juice, not the store-bought variety. I like to use ripe Navel oranges or Cara Cara oranges. Sometimes I use a combination of both!
- Sugar and water – I use these to make a simple syrup, which is less grainy and more easy to add to the drink.ee
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice – A couple of squeezes of tart lemon complement the sweet and tangy orange citrus.
- Vanilla extract – My secret addition for the best homemade orangeade are to add a scant amount of high-quality extract, to give the southern orangeade recipe an old-fashioned soda fountain quality.
- Salt – I also add a tiny pinch of salt to accentuate the natural sweet and tart flavors.
- Club soda (or water) – Depending on the type of drink you want to have.
How to Make
Find the full ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, storage tips, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Make Simple Syrup – I start by making a using 1 part sugar to 1 part water. Simply add these ingredients to a medium-size pot and cook over medium-low heat, until the mixture to fully dissolves the sugar into the water.
Squeeze the Juice – Use a hand or machine juicier to get every drop of that lovely orange juiciness. I also like to add a little bit of lemon juice to the mix. You don’t want it to overpower the flavor of the fresh oranges, yet adding lemon will give the orangeade a little extra pop.
Into the Pitcher – Now I pour the fresh squeeze juices into the pitcher.
Add Syrup and Water (or Soda) – Then I add the cooled simple syrup. And finally, pour in additional water. Or if you plan to serve this southern orangeade recipe right away, use club soda for a fizzy soda fountain-style orangeade.
Expert Tips
To make this drink ahead of time, and you’re planning on using water, you can go ahead and add 5 cups of water right after pouring in the juice and simple syrup.
If using club soda, keep the pitcher in the fridge and don’t add the soda until you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
I like to add a large handful of ice to tall glasses before pouring in the orangeade. For a fun look, like when I’m serving a few guests or setting out for a party, I’ll put a bucket of ice and pitcher on a table and let folks help themselves. And cute straws are always a good idea!
Storage Notes
Put a lid on the pitcher, or a layer of plastic wrap, to keep it fresh. I store the base with just squeezed juice and simple syrup for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. But once you add water, I recommend drinking it within a day or two.
And if you are using bubbly soda water it’s best to serve right away. Otherwise the soda will go flat quickly in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orangeade contains orange juice, but it also contains additional ingredients. It is basically doctored up orange juice for added flavor, and is so much more refreshing!
If you don’t want to make your own simple sugar, you can use honey or agave syrup. I don’t recommend adding plain sugar since it might not dissolve all the way!
Orangeade can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days! When you are serving leftovers, make sure to give it a good stir.
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More Drink Recipes
Orangeade Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups fresh squeezed orange juice from 6-8 juicy oranges
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 5 cups club soda or water
Instructions
- Place 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in a small sauce pot. Heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. (This can also be done in the microwave.) Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Squeeze 2 1/2 cups of orange juice and 1/2 cup lemon juice into a large pitcher. Pour the sugar syrup into the pitcher. If making ahead, add 5 additional cups of water. Stir and refrigerate.
- If serving right away, pour 5 cups club soda to the pitcher instead of tap water. This creates a bubbly soda fountain quality!
Really good sweetie.
I like orange especially Egyptian orange
This will be a wonderful addition to our breakfast, and maybe even more. Anxious to try.
Can’t wait to try. I never made this before. Excited to try.
The presentation style is simple and has weight. Nicely articulated. this is my favorite recipe
This is absolutely delicious! I followed the recipe exactly, but used Valencia oranges (a nod to the “Orange Crush” cocktail that was invited in Maryland). Will definitely continue to make this recipe; the work with the fresh squeezed oranges and lemons was totally worth it!
-Love from NC!
awesome post, thanks for sharing here.
Have you ever made this Orangeade with less sugar? Trying to cut back on added sugars in our house. Thanks
You could probably use an equal amount of sweetener like Stevia.
This is a great recipe for orangeade…wonderful on a hit summer day in the South!