Beef Free Orange Cinnamon Agua Fresca
This refreshing drink is everything you want on a warm day — bright citrus, a whisper of warm spice, and just enough sweetness to feel like a treat without being cloying. The secret is a quick homemade cinnamon tea that steeps right on the stovetop, giving the whole drink a subtle depth that store-bought versions simply can't match. Fresh navel oranges get blended with that fragrant tea, cold water, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, then strained into a pitcher until the result is silky smooth and beautifully golden. That tiny hit of salt is a quiet hero here — it rounds out the citrus and makes every sip taste more vibrant. The whole process is straightforward and completely plant-based, so there's nothing to swap or second-guess. Serve it over a tall glass of ice with an orange wedge on the rim and it looks as good as it tastes.
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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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