Naranjada (Sparkling Orange Agua Fresca)

A naranjada is a carbonated agua fresca made with freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, and mineral or sparkling water. While a handful of aguas frescas have made their way to drink menus this side of the border, I’ve only tasted a naranjada in Mexico. It’s bright, refreshing, and extremely easy to make at home as long as you have fresh oranges and a little bubbly (water, that is).

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• High in vitamin C: since I use fresh squeezed orange juice for this authentic agua fresca recipe, it’s loaded with immune-boosting vitamin C.
• No artificial sweeteners: you can leave out the sweeteners altogether or use homemade simple syrup made with pure cane sugar.
• Sparkling twist: while traditional aguas frescas are typically still (non-carbonated), naranjadas incorporate sparkling water, adding a lively effervescence to the drink.

WHAT IS AGUA FRESCA?

Agua fresca literally translates to fresh, cold, or refreshing water, but literal translations do little to describe the true essence of these fruit-forward and fun drinks.

Aguas frescas are non alcoholic beverages typically made by blending water and sugar with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some are also made with dry ingredients such as rice, tamarind pods, and hibiscus, which are Mexican pantry staples. 

According to the author and Mexican confections queen, Fany Gerson, aguas frescas have indigenous roots. “When Aztecs traveled from their farmlands to the markets in Tenochtitlan (what is now Mexico City), they would paddle through channels in the valley’s wetlands and mash some ripe fruit with water as a way to refresh themselves through the journey.”

Nowadays, aguas frescas are available just about everywhere in Mexico, from street-side food stands and ice cream shops in rural towns, to high-end restaurants in large cities. They are fresh, diversified, and vibrant and are part of daily life and culture in Mexico. While wildly popular in Mexico, aguas frescas are still relatively unknown in the U.S.

WHAT IS A NARANJADA?

Not to be confused with agua de naranja, a naranjada is a type of agua fresca made with freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, and sparkling or mineral water. Agua de naranja, on the other hand, is made with still water.

GOOD TO KNOW

• A naranjada, which is made with fresh orange juice and is sometimes referred to as orangeade, sparkling orange agua fresca, or naranajada preparada, is served with mineral water in Mexico.
• Limondada, which is made with limes and is sometimes referred to as limeade, is also served with mineral water.
• Agua de naranja and agua de limón are made with still water.
• So when asked, “¿con agua natural o agua mineral?” be sure to know the difference. Asking for agua natural in your agua fresca means it will be made with still water, while requesting agua mineral will mean it will be fizzy because it’s made with mineral water.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Oranges: Valencia oranges are great for juicing, but any variety will work.
• Mineral water: I like to use Jarritos or Topo Chico, both Mexican brands, for a truly Mexican drink experience, but any mineral water will work. Sparkling water will also work in this recipe.
• Simple syrup: Make your own simple syrup by boiling one cup of water with one cup sugar until it is completely dissolved. You can also just use granulated sugar as your sweetener for this recipe.

RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE

Manual Citrus Press

This citrus press reminds me of the one my aunt from Mexico gifted me over 25 years ago. I still use it regularly, and my kids enjoy using it to make freshly squeezed orange juice and lemonade. VIEW PRODUCT

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

1. Prepare orange juice

• Cut oranges in half using a citrus press, extract juice.

2. Mix ingredients

• Fill glasses halfway with ice, mix in a 1:2 ratio with one part freshly squeezed orange juice to two parts mineral water (example: you would mix 4 ounces of orange juice with 8 ounces of mineral water). Mix it with the mineral or sparkling water just before serving to preserve the fizziness of the drink.
• Add simple syrup (or your sweetener of choice), to taste. Start with one tablespoon at a time until drink reaches desired sweetness.

3. Serve and enjoy

• Serve and enjoy immediately.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

• Use your favorite sweetener. I make a simple syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar, but you can use regular sugar, honey, agave, or your sweetener of choice to make this recipe. Be sure to try this sparkling orange agua fresca recipe without sweeteners first – you might just like it, as-is!
• Try it with different citrus fruits. Tangerines, cara cara oranges, or blood oranges will be delicious in this recipe as well.
• Add a tropical twist. Mix in pineapple and coconut water for a fun new fusion.

HOW TO STORE

Aguas frescas are best served as soon as you make them – especially this one because it’s made with mineral or sparkling water and you want it to stay fizzy. You can store your fresh orange juice and simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and mix in the bubbly water just before serving.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you pronounce naranjada?

Naranjada is pronounced “nah-rahn-HAH-dah” with the stress on the second syllable.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of freshly squeezed?

I prefer fresh squeezed orange juice, but if you’re pressed for time or making this to serve a large group, choose a high-quality, 100% pure orange juice without added sugars or preservatives, like Natalie’s Orange Juice.

Is a naranjada the same as an orange soda?

No, a naranjada is not the same as orange soda. While both beverages contain orange flavor, naranjadas are made with freshly squeezed orange juice and sparkling water, resulting in a lighter and more natural taste compared to the artificial flavor of orange soda.

Is a naranjada served with ice?

Yes, naranjadas and aguas frescas in general, are always served chilled and with ice.

LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA INSPIRATION?

• Blood Orange Agua Fresca
• Kumquat and Carrot Agua Fresca
• Lime Agua Fresca with Chia Seeds
• Iskiate (Chia Seed Juice with Limes)
• Agua de Guayaba (Guava Agua Fresca)
• Agua de Fresa (Strawberry Agua Fresa)
• Maracuya Drink (Passion Fruit Agua Fresca)
• Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca

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Photography and Styling: Cacey McReavy (images 1, 6 and 7 only)