I just can't resist the sweet kanli portakal (blood oranges) at my local pazar.
This weekend, we bought 7 kilos (15 lbs.) for 1.50 TL per kilo (about 45 cents per pound). Such a bargain!
I know the citrus season will be ending soon, so I'm trying to drink as much fresh blood orange juice and eat as many mandalina as I can. (See related posts about blood oranges here.)
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| The flesh of the blood oranges ranges from pale pinkish-orange to sunset to blood red. |
Last week, I made a refreshing Italian soda of sorts with my pitcher of fresh blood orange juice. I added a bit of simple syrup to the blood orange juice and then topped off my glass with bubbly soda water. This is one of the simplest drink recipes I've done since I made the homemade ginger ale.
Take advantage of the refreshing citrus fruits while you can.
Soon, I'll be dreaming of fresh strawberry, peach and melon sodas!
Afiyet olsun!
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| For an old-fashioned feel, serve your blood orange soda in a small canning jar like this one. I found my canning jars at a Macro Center here in Istanbul. |
Kanli Portakal Soda/(Blood Orange Soda)
Ingredients:
1 c. (210 g.) granulated sugar
1 c. (240 ml.) water
As needed: Fresh blood orange juice
Sparkling water (I used Uludag Dogal Zengin Mineralli Su) or soda water
In a small pot, add the sugar and water. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
Let the mixture cool until it is room temperature. Or make ahead, and cool in the fridge. (I always keep a small jar of simple syrup in the fridge for drinks and using in my desserts.)
To make a glass of blood orange soda:
This really isn't a recipe. I find the blood oranges differ so much in sweetness, so I would recommend adjusting the simple syrup and soda to your liking.
Approx. 2 to 1 ratio of juice to soda water.
Ingredients:
Blood orange juice
Sparkling water or soda water
1-2 teaspoons simple syrup