Portokaladha Siropi (Orange Squash) is a traditional Cypriot recipe for a classic drink made from an orange juice syrup flavoured with basil leaves and lemon juice. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Cypriot version of: Orange Squash (Portokaladha Siropi).
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Ingredients:
1l orange juice (from fresh oranges)
600g sugar
250ml cold water
3 basil leaves
120ml lemon juice
Method:
Wash the oranges, then pat dry and finely grate sufficient to yield 100ml orange zest.
Squeeze the juice from the oranges to yield 1l. Turn the juice into a bowl and add the orange zest. Set aside for 30 minutes for the juice to absorb the orange oils.
Strain the juice through a cloth to remove the zest then turn the juice into a saucepan and add the sugar and basil leaves. Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat slightly then add the lemon juice and take the pan off the heat.
Set aside to half-cool then remove the basil leaves and divide the syrup between thoroughly washed and sterilized bottles. Set side to cool then stopper the bottles and keep in a cool, dry, cupboard out of the sun.
To serve, pour 4 tbsp of the squash mixture into a highball glass. Add 4 ice cubes, a slice of fresh orange then top with chilled water, stir well to combine and serve (you can use still or sparkling water, as you prefer).
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