Orange Cream Soda

Name: Orange Cream Soda
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: Zest and Juice of 4 Oranges (looking for about 1 cup orange juice); 1 Cup Sugar; 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for cream soda); 1-2 Ounces Orange Syrup; Seltzer Water; Ice; Orange Slices (for garnish)

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Make homemade Orange Cream Soda! This tasty soda is bright and fruity with a nostalgic creamsicle-inspired finish. Made with real ingredients.

A soda glass of orange cream soda, garnished with an orange wedge and orange striped straw.

I have been on a homemade drink kick lately. You can make versions of your favorite drinks with real ingredients that also taste delicious!

After making strawberry cream soda, I knew orange cream soda needed to come next.

Citrus drinks can be a bit tricky to get right. You can't just rely on orange juice to carry the flavor. You need the zest too - that's where the real orange flavor is!

This cream soda starts with an orange syrup, made with orange juice and zest. Add vanilla to get those creamsicle vibes. Then serve over ice, topped with sparkling water, for a creamy dreamy soda!

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Why You'll Love This Orange Cream Soda
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Step-By-Step Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Serve a crowd
FAQ & Expert Tips
Recipe Prayer
Related Recipes
Tried this recipe?
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Why You'll Love This Orange Cream Soda

Healthier version of a classic - when I tell you I couldn't believe how good this tastes despite being a homemade version!
Nostalgic - a throwback to classic soda shop vibes
Naturally non-dairy -you don't actually need cream to make cream soda! All those creamy vibes come from the vanilla
Warm weather drink - perfect for warm days or when you're craving a sweet treat

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Orange Syrup

Orange Juice & Zest: this drink needs both orange juice and zest. Fresh orange juice is the base of the syrup, but the zest actually gives the orange flavor. Without it, the syrup will not taste like oranges. Grab a microplane and get zesting!
Sugar: I use organic cane sugar to make sure the syrup is vegan. For a refined sugar free version I recommend using agave. It works great and doesn't change the flavor!
Water
Lemon Juice: use fresh juice for the best flavor. A bit of lemon juice helps create a deeper flavor
Vanilla: vanilla is the KEY to a cream soda flavor. It's what turns the drink from orange into orange cream. You cannot skip this!

For soda

Orange Syrup: from above
Seltzer Water: you can also use club soda or any other unflavored sparkling water.
Ice
Garnishes: a fun straw and an orange wedge - for vibes!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1. In a small saucepan heat the orange juice and zest, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture bubbles slightly.

Orange Cream Soda Step 1 - heat the orange juice, zest, lemon juice, and sugar.

Step 2. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool completely.

Orange Cream Soda Step 2 - remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Step 3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

Step 4. For soda, serve 1-2 ounces of syrup over ice. Top with an orange wedge and a striped straw!

Orange Cream Soda Step 4 - serve the syrup over ice, topped with sparkling water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over ice in a cute soda glass for a classic soda fountain experience.

Add an orange wedge and a striped straw for some fun!

Serve a crowd

Hosting brunch or a summer party? Mix a large batch of syrup just before serving.

Grab a syrup bottle and allow guests to add ice, syrup, and seltzer to their own glasses to preserve carbonation.

FAQ & Expert Tips

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?

Yes! The syrup can be refrigerated until you're ready to make individual drinks.

Can I use flavored sparkling water?

Plain sparkling water makes for a classic flavor, but a citrus flavored sparkling water would enhance the citrusy vibes.

Storage

This syrup is great for long-term storage. Good in the fridge for about 2 months.

Pro Tip: Avoid boiling the orange zest for too long. A gentle simmer extracts plenty of citrus flavor while minimizing bitterness from the peel.

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for this sweet, refreshing drink. Thank you for healthier versions of our favorite foods. Amen.

Tried this recipe?

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