Juice the oranges.

Start by squeezing your fresh oranges until you have about 1 cup of juice. Strain it if you prefer a smoother drink without pulp.

Add the sweetener.

Pour the fresh orange juice into a shaker or large glass. Stir in the simple syrup or honey until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Add crushed ice.

Toss in about 1/2 cup of crushed ice to chill and dilute just slightly—it makes the drink extra refreshing.

Add soda and optional alcohol.

Pour in the lemon-lime soda (or sparkling water for a lighter version). If you’re making an adult version, this is the time to add your vodka or triple sec.

Shake or stir.

If you’re using a cocktail shaker, give it a gentle shake. If not, a good stir with a spoon in your glass will do the trick.

Pour and garnish.

Transfer to a serving glass filled with more crushed ice. Garnish with a slice of orange, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a sugared rim for an extra special touch.

Make it ahead – Mix the juice and syrup base in advance and chill. Add soda just before serving to keep the fizz fresh.

No shaker? No problem. A mason jar with a lid works perfectly.

Serving a crowd? Scale up the recipe and mix in a pitcher, then let guests pour over ice.