Barley Free Orange Cinnamon Agua Fresca
Bright, citrusy, and lightly spiced, this agua fresca is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting somewhere sunny even on a grey afternoon. Fresh navel oranges are blended with a homemade cinnamon tea — just a simmered stick and water — so the spice comes through as a warm, aromatic whisper rather than an overwhelming punch. Maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully against the natural tartness of the orange, and a pinch of salt ties everything together in a way that's surprisingly sophisticated. The whole thing gets strained through a fine-mesh sieve, leaving you with a silky-smooth, jewel-toned drink that looks as good as it tastes. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of grain-based additives, so there's no label-scanning or substitution stress — just whole, simple produce and pantry staples. Serve it over ice with an orange wedge for a refreshing sipper that works equally well at a backyard gathering or a quiet weekday lunch.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 large navel oranges, peeled and segmented (about 3 cups flesh)
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp fine salt
For the cinnamon tea
- 1 cup water, for the cinnamon tea
For serving
- ice, for serving
- orange slices or wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cinnamon stick and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the water is lightly amber and fragrant. Remove from heat and let the cinnamon tea cool for 15 minutes, then discard the cinnamon stick.
- 2
Add the orange segments, cooled cinnamon tea, 2 cups cold water, maple syrup, and salt to a blender. Blend on high for 30–45 seconds, until completely smooth.
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