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You can prepare orange squash at home by mixing fresh orange juice with sugar, water, and a squeeze of lemon.
It’s one of those old-school drinks that never goes out of style, and the best part is you can make orange squash with just a few simple ingredients.
Whether you call it orange squash, orange cordial, or homemade orange drink, the process is basically the same.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to prepare orange squash step by step, plus a few tips to make it taste even better.
Let’s get into it.
How to Prepare Orange Squash at Home
Learning how to prepare orange squash is easier than you think, and here’s why it’s worth doing:
1. It Uses Simple Ingredients You Already Have
To prepare orange squash, you only need oranges, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
That’s it.
No fancy equipment, no preservatives, and no mystery additives.
If you can boil water and squeeze an orange, you can prepare orange squash without any trouble.
2. Fresh Oranges Give the Best Flavor
The quality of your orange squash depends heavily on the oranges you use.
Choose ripe, juicy oranges that feel heavy for their size.
Valencia and navel oranges both work great when you prepare orange squash at home.
Avoid oranges with soft spots or dull skin because they won’t give you the bright, refreshing taste you want.
3. Sugar and Water Form the Base
To prepare orange squash properly, you need to make a simple syrup.
Heat equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool.
This syrup sweetens your orange squash and helps preserve it for longer.
You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you like your drink.
4. Lemon Juice Balances the Sweetness
A splash of lemon juice is what takes orange squash from good to great.
It cuts through the sugar and brightens up the orange flavor.
When you prepare orange squash, don’t skip the lemon.
Just a tablespoon or two makes a big difference.
Step-By-Step Guide to Prepare Orange Squash
Now that you know the basics, here’s how to prepare orange squash from start to finish:
1. Juice Your Oranges
Roll the oranges on the counter first to release more juice.
Cut them in half and squeeze until you have about two cups of fresh juice.
Strain the juice if you prefer a smoother orange squash.
2. Make the Simple Syrup
Combine one cup of sugar with one cup of water in a saucepan.
Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
Let the syrup cool completely before mixing it with the juice.
3. Combine Everything Together
Pour the orange juice into the cooled syrup.
Add two tablespoons of lemon juice and stir well.
Your orange squash concentrate is now ready.
4. Store and Serve
Pour your orange squash into a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate.
It stays fresh for about a week, sometimes longer thanks to the sugar.
To serve, mix one part orange squash with three to four parts cold water.
Add ice, and you’ve got a refreshing drink in seconds.
Tips for the Best Orange Squash
Follow these tips every time you prepare orange squash and you’ll never go back to store-bought.
1. Don’t Overdo the Sugar
Too much sugar masks the natural taste of the oranges.
Start with less and adjust as you go.
Remember, you can always add more sweetness but you can’t take it out.
2. Dilute to Taste
Everyone likes their orange squash a little different.
Some prefer it strong, others like it light and refreshing.
Experiment with the water ratio until you find your perfect mix.
3. Add a Little Sparkle
If you want to elevate your orange squash, top it with sparkling water instead of still water.
It turns your homemade orange squash into something that feels fancy without any extra effort.
4. Freeze Extra Juice
Got more oranges than you can use?
Freeze the juice in ice cube trays so you can prepare orange squash anytime.
Just drop a few cubes into your syrup mix whenever the craving hits.
So, How Do You Prepare Orange Squash?
You prepare orange squash by combining fresh orange juice with a simple syrup, a squeeze of lemon, and water to dilute.
It’s a simple process that gives you a refreshing drink you can enjoy all week.
Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just want something cold on a hot day, homemade orange squash always delivers.
Now you know exactly how to prepare orange squash, so grab some oranges and get started.