Nightshade Free Orange Cinnamon Agua Fresca
Bright, citrusy, and lightly spiced, this agua fresca is the kind of refreshing drink that makes you wonder why you ever reached for a store-bought bottle. Fresh navel oranges are blended with a homemade cinnamon tea — yes, you actually simmer a cinnamon stick to coax out that warm, fragrant depth — then strained into a clean, silky pitcher drink that tastes far more sophisticated than the effort involved. Maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the orange, and a pinch of salt ties everything together in a way that's quietly brilliant. For anyone navigating nightshade restrictions, drinks can be a sneaky minefield since many commercial beverages and flavor blends hide unexpected ingredients — but every single component here is straightforward and easy to verify. The blending and straining process gives you a beautifully smooth texture that's worlds away from pulpy juice, and it's gorgeous served over ice with a fresh orange wedge on the rim. It works just as well for a casual weekday afternoon as it does for a weekend brunch spread.
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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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