Step 1: Prepare the Orange and Lemon Juice
- Wash and peel the oranges, then cut them in half. Using a juicer, squeeze the juice from the oranges into a large mixing bowl. You should aim for around 6 cups of fresh orange juice.
- Similarly, squeeze the juice from the lemons. You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of lemon juice. Set both juices aside.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine 2 ½ cups of water with the sugar and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the citric acid to the syrup and stir well to combine. Citric acid will give your homemade Fanta the characteristic tangy kick that you’d expect from store-bought soda.
- Stir in the natural orange extract (if using) and salt. Let the syrup simmer for about 5 minutes to fully integrate the flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Juices and Syrup
- Once the syrup has cooled slightly, add both the orange juice and lemon juice to the syrup. Stir well to combine.
- Taste your mixture and adjust the sweetness or tartness if needed. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more sugar; if you want it tangier, add more lemon juice or citric acid.
Step 4: Carbonating the Fanta
- Now, for the carbonation! When you’re ready to serve, dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda into 1 cup of water. Slowly pour this into the prepared syrup mixture. It will fizz and carbonate your homemade soda. This step will provide the slight effervescence that makes your homemade Fanta just like the original.
Step 5: Prepare the Storage Bottles
- Pour the homemade Fanta into sterilized glass bottles or mason jars. Leave about an inch of space at the top of each bottle to allow for any expansion or bubbling.
- Seal the bottles tightly with sterilized caps.
Step 6: Canning Process for Long-Term Storage
- To preserve the homemade Fanta for up to two years, you’ll need to process the bottles in boiling water.
- Place the sealed bottles in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Boil the bottles for 10-15 minutes. This step ensures the drink is properly sterilized and helps preserve it for long-term storage.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- After boiling, carefully remove the bottles from the pot and let them cool at room temperature. Once cooled, check that the bottle seals are intact. If they are, your homemade Fanta is ready for storage!
- Store the bottles in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, where they can last for up to 2 years.
Serving Instructions:
- When you’re ready to serve your homemade Fanta, open the bottle and pour it into a glass over ice.
- You can also mix it with a little extra sparkling water if you like your soda extra fizzy.
Tips for Success:
- Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to increase the sugar or even use a natural sweetener like honey or stevia, though the sugar helps with preservation.
- Natural Flavor Boost: You can experiment with adding a small amount of natural pineapple or mango juice for a tropical twist.
- Storage: Proper canning is key to extending the shelf life. If you’re unsure about the canning process, consider looking up canning tutorials for more detailed instructions.
Healthier Alternative
This homemade Fanta contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s made with 100% natural fruit juice, making it a healthier, more wholesome alternative to commercial sodas. Plus, the homemade process ensures that you’re controlling the ingredients, ensuring a refreshing and flavorful drink with fewer processed additives.
Enjoy your homemade Fanta! It’s a fun, chemical-free way to enjoy a delicious soda with the peace of mind that you’re treating your body to only the best, natural ingredients.