Craving something brighter than plain lemonade but lighter than straight orange juice? This homemade orange lemonade — often called orangeade — combines fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice in a balanced 2:1 ratio, sweetens with raw honey (no simmering needed), and dilutes with ice-cold still or sparkling water. The result is a refreshing, refined-sugar-free pitcher you can make in about 10 minutes.
This orange lemonade is my go-to citrus refresher when the porch thermometer climbs. Below you’ll find ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, tips, FAQs and a printable recipe card.
Why It’s Worth Trying
- Hydrating & immune-friendly. Combining oranges and lemons gives you vitamin C, minerals, bioflavonoids and lively flavor.
- No stove, no syrup. Raw honey dissolves easily into the juice, so you preserve nutrients and keep the kitchen cool.
- Natural orangeade. A sweet-tart balance with no refined sugar—suitable for kids and adults.
- Easy to scale. Base ratio: 1 ½ cups orange : ¾ cup lemon : 3 ½ cups water. Multiply to make a larger pitcher.
Ingredients at a Glance
- Freshly squeezed orange juice – about 4–5 medium oranges
- Fresh lemon juice – 3–4 lemons
- Raw honey – or maple/agave for a vegan option
- Cold water – still or sparkling
(Exact amounts appear in the printable recipe card ↓)
How to Make Orange Lemonade Step-by-Step
- Stir the base. In a large glass pitcher, combine orange juice, lemon juice and honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Dilute. Slowly add the cold water while stirring. Taste and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors marry.
- Serve. Pour over ice, garnish with orange or lemon wheels and a sprig of mint.
Serve it with: a light, protein-rich main such as a Cobb salad or quinoa poke bowl, or pair it with a simple summer dessert for a complete meal.
PRO TIP: Quick Juicing Methods, Zero Fuss
- Warm and roll each fruit on the counter for 10 seconds before cutting—this releases more juice.
- Choose your tool: hand press, wood reamer, reamer with measuring cup, lever press or a compact electric juicer—pick what suits your batch size.
- Zest before squeezing if you want bright aromatic notes; strain the juice afterward for a pulp-free drink.
Variations & Tips
- Sparkling version – Replace half the still water with chilled seltzer just before serving for a fizzy finish.
- Herbal twist – Lightly bruise four basil leaves or a small rosemary sprig and steep briefly in the pitcher for an herbal note.
- Zero-honey option – Dissolve monk-fruit sweetener (about 3 tablespoons) in ½ cup warm water, cool and sweeten to taste.
- Tropical – Swap ½ cup orange juice for pineapple juice to add a tropical layer.
- Cocktail twist – Add 1–2 oz vodka, rum, or tequila per glass, or top the pitcher with chilled prosecco for an adults-only spritz. A splash of cranberry juice also pairs nicely.
Presentation And Serving
- Serve orangeade in mason jars or tall glasses for a casual, rustic look.
- Add sliced lemons and oranges to the pitcher or individual glasses for color, and finish with fresh mint for contrast and aroma.
FAQs
They’re very similar. Orangeade can sometimes mean sweetened orange juice alone. This recipe is a true orange-and-lemon mix, so you get bright acidity without excess sugar.
Fresh juice tastes best and offers more vitamin C, but a high-quality not-from-concentrate bottled juice works in a pinch. Hold back on the honey until you taste.
Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, it keeps up to three days. Stir before serving—pulp may settle.
More Lemonade Flavors to Try
- Antioxidant Green Tea Lemonade
- Floral Elderflower Lemonade
- Elderberry Lemonade for an immune boost
Print Recipe
Fresh Orange Lemonade (Orangeade) Recipe
10
10
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice – ~ 4–5 medium oranges
- ¾ cup (180 ml) fresh lemon juice – ~ 3–4 lemons
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey – (or maple/agave for vegan)
- 3 ½ cups (830 ml) water – still or sparkling
For serving
- 1 Ice, citrus slices + mint sprig
Instructions
Combine juices & honey
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In a 2-quart pitcher, stir orange juice, lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves.
Dilute & taste
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Slowly add the water while stirring until well combined. The acidity of the juices helps dissolve the honey.
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Taste and add an extra spoonful of honey if you prefer it sweeter.
Chill
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors meld.
Serve
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Fill glasses with ice, pour the orange lemonade, and garnish with orange or lemon wheels and mint if desired.
Notes
Variations
- Sparkling fizz – Replace half the still water with chilled seltzer just before serving.
- Herbal twist – Lightly bruise basil leaves or rosemary and steep briefly in the pitcher.
- Cocktail version – Add 1–2 oz spirits per glass or top the pitcher with chilled prosecco.
- Zero-honey – Sweeten with 3 Tbsp monk-fruit blend dissolved in ½ cup warm water.
Storage
Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container; stir before pouring as pulp may settle.
Tried this recipe?Share how it turned out and rate the recipe to help other readers.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate provided by an online calculator.
Other Refreshing Citrus Drinks
Elderberry Lemonade: A Refreshing Healthier Twist
Cucumber Lemon Ginger Water
Immune Booster Juice With Carrot, Orange & Ginger
Fresh Cherry Lemonade (2 Easy Ways)
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