Nitrate & Nitrite Free Orange Cinnamon Lemonade
Bright, citrusy, and just a little unexpected, this slushy lemonade gets its warmth from a homemade cinnamon-maple syrup that you simmer right on the stovetop. Fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice do all the heavy lifting here, delivering bold, natural flavor without a single processed ingredient in sight. That matters more than you might think — many store-bought lemonades and flavored drinks sneak in preservatives and additives that people following a nitrate- and nitrite-free lifestyle are trying to avoid. Every component in this recipe is whole and straightforward: real citrus, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and water. Blending everything together with ice creates a frothy, slushie-style texture that feels far more special than a simple stirred drink. The straining step keeps it smooth and polished, and a garnish of fresh citrus slices makes it look like something you'd pay good money for at a café. It's refreshing, naturally sweetened, and genuinely easy to pull off any time you want something that tastes indulgent but stays clean.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cinnamon-maple syrup
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–7 lemons)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 3 medium oranges)
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- lemon or orange slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the maple syrup, 1/2 cup water, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the syrup is fully dissolved. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is fragrant and lightly infused with cinnamon. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 15 minutes, then discard the cinnamon sticks.
- 2
Add the cooled cinnamon-maple syrup, lemon juice, orange juice, cold water, and ice cubes to a blender. Blend on high for 20–30 seconds, until the ice is fully crushed and the drink is uniformly slushy and frothy.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!