Rice Free Orange Cinnamon Agua Fresca

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.7

(22)

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 — just a simmered stick and water — that adds a warm, aromatic depth you simply can't get from a powder or syrup. A touch of maple syrup sweetens things naturally, and a pinch of salt pulls the whole flavor together in a way that feels surprisingly sophisticated. Everything gets strained through a fine-mesh sieve, so the final pour is silky smooth and beautifully translucent. Grain-free drinks can be tricky to find when you're avoiding rice-based fillers or thickeners that sneak into commercial beverages, but every single ingredient here is clean and straightforward. Serve it over a big glass of ice with an orange wedge on the rim and it looks as good as it tastes — effortlessly impressive for a backyard gathering or a quiet afternoon at home.

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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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