Orange Simple Syrup

Your very own homemade orange cordial.

Can be diluted with still or sparkling water.

Ingredients:

4-5 oranges

200 ml (0.8 cup) honey or sugar

480 ml (2 cups) boiled water (cool before use)

Method:

1. Wash oranges with lukewarm water, and dry.

2. Grate/peel the orange zest/peels. Omit as much of the white pith as possible. This will reduce the bitterness of the syrup.

3. Use a juicer or juice the oranges manually.

4. Place the orange zest/peel and orange juice in a pot/container with a lid and pour in the 2 cups of cool pre-boiled water. Close the lid and steep it overnight to make the syrup darker and tastier. 

5. Strain the zest through a fine strainer or a cheesecloth and pour the liquid into a saucepan.

6. Once it starts to simmer, reduce and remove it from the heat, letting it cool for 10 minutes.

7. Add sweetener (Sugar/Honey/alternative) and citric acid (optional) and mix it. (Mildly warm it up to dissolve the sweetener if required). Continue stirring until dissolved.

8. Pour the cordial into a clean, sterile bottle or jar, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.