Ingredients
- 4 large oranges (preferably organic)
- 2 lemons
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 ½ cups of water
- ½ teaspoon citric acid (for tartness)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon natural vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Carbonated water or sparkling water (to mix and make it fizzy)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional for additional sweetness)
- A few drops of orange food coloring (optional for extra color)
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus fruits:
- Zest the oranges and lemons and set the zest aside.
- Squeeze the juice from the oranges and lemons, ensuring there are no seeds.
- Make the syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, citric acid, orange zest, and lemon zest.
- Heat over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Add flavor:
- If you prefer a richer flavor, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- For extra sweetness, add honey, stirring until well combined.
- Mix with sparkling water:
- Once the syrup is cooled, pour it into a large bottle or jug.
- For each serving, mix 2-3 tablespoons of the syrup with 1 cup of chilled carbonated water or sparkling water.
- Adjust the syrup quantity to your preferred taste.
- Store:
- To preserve the syrup for long-term use, pour it into glass bottles, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Seal the bottles tightly and refrigerate them.
- This homemade Fanta syrup stays fresh for up to 2 years if kept in the fridge.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the homemade Fanta over ice for a refreshing drink. You can also add a slice of orange or lemon as garnish.
Tips:
- You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar.
- This syrup can be mixed with still water if you don’t have sparkling water.
- Add a few drops of orange food coloring if you want the drink to resemble the store-bought Fanta.
Enjoy your fresh, chemical-free homemade Fanta!