This orange simple syrup is extremely easy to make, requiring just 2 ingredients! Featuring navel oranges, it's perfect for adding a burst of refreshing citrus flavor to your favorite drinks, desserts, salad dressings, and more.

Much like my strawberry simple syrup, this orange simple syrup is made to beat the summer heat! In less than 30 minutes, youβll have a jar of sweetener perfect for cocktails, waffles, teas, and anything else you can think of.
Why I Love This Recipe
This orange simple syrup recipe is my favorite simple syrup variation to prepare during the hot summer months. Drizzled over a slice of vegan olive oil cake or a stack of protein pancakes, itβs a match made in heaven!
Everything comes together in one pot and there are only 2 ingredients required, meaning cleanup is a breeze. All you have to do is simmer orange peels with sugar and water, then add freshly squeezed juice.
The bright, refreshing orange flavor shines through perfectly! As a bonus, the simmered orange peels will fill your kitchen with an invigorating aroma for hours to come.
Ingredient Notes

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients youβll need for this orange simple syrup recipe:
- Navel Orange: Both orange juice and peel provide the essential citrus flavor. Use a fresh navel orange that feels heavy for its size for the best results.
- Cane Sugar: Sweetens the syrup and helps to preserve it. You can use regular cane sugar or granulated sugar interchangeably.
- Water: I use a 1:1 Β½ water-to-sugar ratio for this recipe since I add orange juice. Remember to use filtered water for the ideal orange simple syrup flavor.
Substitutions
- Sugar: If you donβt have regular granulated or cane sugar, you can try turbinado, demerara, or muscovado sugar. These will give the syrup a slightly more molasses and caramel-like flavor.
- Orange: You can replace navel oranges with mandarin or blood oranges. This will change the flavor profile and color of the syrup slightly, but both will work in a pinch.
How to Make
Youβll love how βsimpleβ this orange simple syrup is to prepare! Just follow all my tips and tricks below for the best results:
Preparation

Thoroughly wash and dry the navel orange, then peel it using a vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife. Squeeze the orange juice, straining it to remove any pulp, and set it aside.
Cooking

Step 1
Combine the orange peels, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heating and prevent the sugar from burning.

Step 2
Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Then reduce the heat to a low simmer for 10 minutes until the syrup thickens. Make sure you stir continuously to prevent crystallization of the sugar.
Keep the heat low to prevent the syrup from burning and to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the freshly squeezed orange juice. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Donβt add the orange juice until the end to preserve its fresh, citrusy flavor.

Step 4
After about 15 minutes, remove the orange peels and discard them. Pour through a fine mesh strainer when transferring out to remove any remaining pulp. Transfer your orange simple syrup to an airtight glass jar.
Expert Tip
To make the perfect orange simple syrup, make sure you maintain a low simmer while the peels, water, and sugar are cooking. This allows the orange oils from the peels to infuse into the syrup without burning or becoming too bitter.
Using freshly squeezed orange juice at the end keeps the flavor vibrant and fresh. And donβt forget to strain the syrup, especially if youβre making fancy cocktails and drinks. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for the best results.
Variations
- Spicy Orange: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick while simmering the mixture for a hint of spice.
- Herbal Orange: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme during the simmering process for an herbal twist.
- Vanilla Orange: Mix in a splash of vanilla extract after removing the orange simple syrup from the heat for a sweet, creamy note.
Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and peels provide the best flavor.
- Store it Properly: Use an airtight glass container, like a mason jar, to keep the syrup fresh for longer.
- Stir Continuously: Donβt stop stirring the syrup because it prevents sugar crystallization and ensures even cooking.
- Peel the Orange Correctly: When youβre peeling your orange, avoid the white pith below the exterior portion, which can be bitter.
- Shake Before Use: Even though itβs strained, the syrup may settle a bit as it sits. Give the bottle a shake before using it again to reincorporate the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions
Reducing the sugar may affect the syrupβs consistency and preservation. It's best to stick to the recipe measurements for the ideal results.
Straining ensures a smooth orange simple syrup without any pulp. I recommend this step for a more refined and clear consistency.
Gently reheat it with a bit of water and stir until the crystals dissolve. This will restore the syrup's smooth consistency.
Storing
After preparing your orange simple syrup, let it cool completely before storing it. Keep it in an airtight glass jar in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a month.
If you prefer to freeze it, pour the syrup into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag, and theyβll keep for up to 6 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight when youβre ready for more.
More Simple Syrup Recipes

Orange Simple Syrup
DESCRIPTION
INGREDIENTS
- 1 whole navel orange
- 1 Β½ cup sugar
- 1 cup water
METHOD
- Peel the orange using a vegetable peeler or a sharp pairing knife. Then squeeze out the juice, strain it to remove pulp and keep aside.Note: The freshly squeezed juice comes out to about a β cup per orange.
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange peels, water, and sugar. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, stirring continuously. Let it simmer on low for 10 minutes till the syrup thickens.
- Next remove from heat, and add the freshly squeezed orange juice. Then let it sit till it cools down for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the peels and discard them. Transfer the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, if more pulp is remaining.
- Store orange simple syrup to an airtight glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator until you need it!
NOTES
- Use Fresh Oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and peels provide the best flavor.
- Store it Properly: Use an airtight glass container, like a mason jar, to keep the syrup fresh for longer.
- Stir Continuously: Donβt stop stirring the syrup because it prevents sugar crystallization and ensures even cooking.
- Peel the Orange Correctly: When youβre peeling your orange, avoid the white pith below the exterior portion, which can be bitter.
- Shake Before Use: Even though itβs strained, the syrup may settle a bit as it sits. Give the bottle a shake before using it again to reincorporate the flavors.
Daisy says
So delish! The recipe is very simple and easy to follow. I put my orange simple syrup in sparkling water. ππ½
Puja Verma says
Thanks for sharing your feedback, Daisy. I'm glad you had a great experience with making and tasing this recipe.
Misty says
Can you can this recipe?
Puja Verma says
Hello Misty! I personally have not canned my homemade simple syrups, but the answer is yes. However, you must follow proper canning techniques that entail a water bath canner and use a sterilized jar.