I can’t get enough of these Italian blood orange sodas and they look fantastic, perfect for any party or fancy soirée.
As a soda lover and former (ish?) Diet Coke drinker, these give me the sweetness and fizz I love without any of the scary ingredients. Which, also makes them crazy easy to make!
What are Blood Oranges?
Blood oranges originated in Sicily, most likely in the 9th or 10th century. This why it’s an “Italian” blood orange soda, although, most likely blood oranges in the U.S. are not from Sicily.
Today, blood oranges are in season in winter and early spring, from about December through April. They thrive in Mediterranean climates, so they are mostly grown in California, Italy, and Spain.
Blood oranges have a dark red flesh, sometimes in splotches on the outside but definitely on the inside. The juice resembles the ruby red of a cranberry as opposed to the yellowish tone of orange juice. Blood oranges are “bloody” from a pigment called anthocyanin which is a is a powerful antioxidant.
Speaking of health benefits, blood oranges are also loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and magnesium.
Blood Orange Soda Ingredients
These sodas only have 6 ingredients (including those needed to make the blood orange syrup) and come together in about 15 minutes, which is the most time I think you should have to spend for a beverage.
- Blood Oranges
- Coconut milk (unsweetened)
- Sugar
- Water
- Large bottle San Pellegrino or sparkling water (1 liter)
- Red gel food coloring (optional)
- Basil or Mint to garnish
(Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe card with exact measurements and instructions.)
How to Make Blood Orange Soda
Making blood orange Italian sodas is extremely easy. Simply add sugar and water to sauce and bring to boil. Remove from the heat and add the blood orange juice while stirring. This is where you can add red food coloring for a deep red color. Perfect for a baby shower without the red coloring where you know it’s a girl!
Next, pour the San Pellegrino, mineral or sparkling water into the glasses and follow up with the syrup and coconut cream. Garnish with mint or basil, if desired. And that is all there is to this incredibly easy and spectacular drink.
Basically this is a must for any dinner party (your friends will be so impressed) or just for a quiet dinner at home.
Italian Blood Orange Soda Recipe
I can’t get enough of these Italian blood orange sodas and they look fantastic, perfect for any party or fancy soirée.
Ingredients
Blood Orange Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- Juice of 3 blood oranges
- 1 drop red gel food coloring, optional
Soda
- 1 large bottle sparkling water
- 1 cup coconut milk, unsweetened
- Basil or mint, to garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-sized sauce pan, add the sugar and water and bring to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and add the blood orange juice.
- Stir together to combine. (If you want a darker red coloring, feel free to add some food colorant to help give it that deep red color).
- In a glass, add about ½ cup sparkling water then about 2 tbs of the syrup and ¼ cup coconut cream milk.
- Garnish with mint or basil and serve immediately.
This drink pairs great with these salads!
