Orange Soda Pop

I am always on the hunt for a fresh homemade summer drink. after learning how to make homemade syrups recently, i thought i would try my hand at crafting my own version of orange soda. it was surprisingly refreshing and tangy, and very much reminded me of a classy version of an old school beverage.

what you will need:

• 4 cups orange slices
• 4 strips of orange peel (don't get the white bitter stuff)
• 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar
• 3 cups  club soda
• Ice cubes for chilling
• lemon wedge for drama

the how:

in a small pot of boiling water place your orange slices with the peel.  reduce the boil down to a simmer and let it steep uncovered for about 20 minutes. next add your sugar, stirring constantly until it has completely dissolved. continue to keep it on a low rolling boil for about 10 minutes as it thickens. remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. then strain your liquid into a heat safe glass container to remove any left over orange bits. Allow that to cool to room temperature and place it in the fridge to chill. after it has chilled, drop in a few ice cubes, pour in 1/4 cup of your homemade syrup and 1 cup of club soda. Mix well, add lemon slice or orange peel for decoration and sit back and enjoy.

helpful hint - homemade syrups should be stored in the fridge and can also be mixed with a number of liquor to create a mixed cocktail.

**illustration by Oomph