Orange juice concentrate sold at Coles is a handy way to make a pitcher of orange drink: mix the concentrated juice with cold water, then adjust to taste. This guide covers the basic dilution, how to read the pack directions, and practical ways to use any leftover concentrate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice concentrate, thawed if frozen
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold drinking water, plus more to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) ice cubes, for serving (optional)
- 1 thin orange slice, for each glass (optional)
Instructions
- Check the product label before measuring. Concentrate products differ: some are designed to be diluted, while others are ready to drink or intended as an ingredient. Follow the package’s stated ratio if it differs from this recipe. If the label calls for one part concentrate to three parts water, use the quantities above.
- If the concentrate is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator according to the package directions. Do not leave it on the counter for an extended period. Stir or shake the thawed concentrate gently so any settled juice is evenly mixed.
- Pour 1 cup (240 ml) concentrate and 3 cups (720 ml) cold water into a clean pitcher. Stir thoroughly for about 30 seconds, scraping the bottom of the pitcher so no dense concentrate remains there.
- Taste the drink. For a stronger orange flavour, stir in a little more concentrate; for a milder drink, add water a few tablespoons at a time. Chill the pitcher, or serve straight away over ice. Add orange slices if desired.
Tips
- Use the label as your starting point. The recipe’s 1:3 ratio is a practical starting point for a concentrate that calls for dilution, not a universal direction for every Coles product. The label takes precedence, especially for products with added sugar or a different intended use.
- Measure after thawing. Frozen concentrate can be hard to portion evenly. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then stir before measuring so the flavour and any settled pulp are distributed.
- Adjust gradually. Add water or concentrate in small amounts and taste between additions. Ice also dilutes the drink as it melts, so make it slightly stronger if you expect it to sit in a glass for a while.
- Keep utensils clean. Pour concentrate with a clean spoon or measuring cup, and refrigerate the opened container promptly. Avoid returning leftover drink from a glass to the pitcher.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the juice well chilled at breakfast, brunch, or alongside a casual meal. Pour it over ice in individual glasses, or serve it without ice from a chilled pitcher to avoid dilution. Orange slices make a simple garnish; a small strip of orange zest can add aroma, but remove it before the drink becomes bitter. For a sparkling version, prepare the concentrate with a little less water, then top each glass with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
This drink also works as a non-alcoholic mixer. Combine it in a glass with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon, or use a small splash to brighten iced tea. Keep the main pitcher plain if serving a group, then let people add sparkling water or extra ice to their own glasses.
Variations
- Less sweet: If the label allows dilution, add extra water a little at a time. The orange flavour will be lighter, so taste as you go rather than changing the ratio all at once.
- Orange-lemon: Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice, then taste. This makes the drink tangier; add a little water if it becomes too sharp.
- Ginger-orange: Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) finely grated fresh ginger to the pitcher and let it stand in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Strain if you prefer a smooth drink.
- Orange spritzer: Mix the concentrate with half the water first. Pour into glasses and top each serving with chilled sparkling water to taste, rather than adding bubbles to the whole pitcher in advance.
- Use it in cooking: Undiluted concentrate can add orange flavour to a glaze, marinade, or baking recipe when the recipe calls for concentrated juice. It is not a direct substitute for ready-to-drink juice unless you account for the extra water and sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
Keep the mixed drink covered in the refrigerator and use it within 3–4 days; for the best flavour, drink it within 2–3 days. Refrigerate it within 2 hours of mixing, and do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F / 32°C). Stir before serving, as pulp or heavier juice components may settle. Discard it if it has been left out too long or develops an unusual smell, appearance, or taste.
Store unused concentrate according to the package instructions. Once opened or thawed, keep it refrigerated and use it within the period stated on the label. Do not refreeze thawed concentrate unless the package specifically says that it is suitable. This is a cold drink, so reheating is not needed; make a fresh batch rather than warming a pitcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does orange juice concentrate mean?
It is orange juice with some of its water removed, making it more concentrated. Some products are sold frozen, while others are shelf-stable or refrigerated. The exact ingredients and dilution instructions vary, so check the product label.
How much water do I add to orange juice concentrate?
Follow the ratio printed on the package. For this recipe, the starting ratio is 1 cup (240 ml) concentrate to 3 cups (720 ml) water. If your Coles product gives different directions, use those instead and taste before adding more water.
Can I drink concentrate without diluting it?
Only if the product is labelled ready to drink or suitable to consume as sold. Concentrate intended for dilution will usually taste much stronger and may be sweeter than a prepared drink. Check the label rather than assuming every product is the same.
Can I use orange juice concentrate in place of fresh orange juice?
Sometimes, but it depends on the recipe. In a drink, dilute it according to the package directions first. In a sauce or baking recipe, use concentrate only when a strong orange flavour is appropriate, and account for the water and sweetness that fresh juice would contribute.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Mix it in a clean, covered pitcher and refrigerate it until serving. Stir before pouring, and add ice or sparkling water in the glasses so the pitcher does not become watered down or lose its fizz.
Can I freeze leftover mixed orange drink?
You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container with room for expansion, though the texture may change slightly when thawed. Thaw it in the refrigerator, stir well, and use promptly. Freezing is optional; for a small leftover amount, refrigerating and using it within a few days is simpler.
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