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A glass mason jar of orange sugar sitting on a kitchen counter next to wide shreds of orange zest.

How to Make Orange Sugar

This easy recipe for orange sugar will add a bright citrus flavor to drinks and desserts. Not only is it simple and quick to make, but it's also a unique homemade gift for the entertainer in your life!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Making Orange Sugar 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Serving Size 8 ounces

Equipment

  • 8 ounce mason jar or other airtight container
  • vegetable peeler
  • cup (or small mixing bowl)
  • spoon (or ladle or scoop)
  • funnel (optional, but great for keeping messes to a minimum)
  • kitchen towel

Ingredients

  • 8 oz granulated sugar
  • zest from one orange

Instructions

  • First, get your orange zest, sugar, and the container and spoon you plan on using. If you haven’t zested your orange yet, wash it and then use a vegetable peeler to cut wide strips of zest.
  • Put the zest in a cup of ice water and let the zest soak for about 10 minutes to remove bitterness.
  • Next, scoop up your zest and set it on a clean kitchen towel to dry it off. The zest will still be moist even when it’s dried, but you don’t want any extra water in your sugar. Soak up the extra water the best that you can.
  • Add a couple scoops of sugar to your container. Then add a few pieces of zest to your sugar.
  • Top the orange zest with a couple more scoops of sugar to cover the zest. Add another layer of orange zest. You are building layers of orange zest and sugar.
  • Keep adding layers of orange zest and sugar until your container is full, and then top it with a final layer of sugar to completely cover the last of your orange zest.
  • Place a lid on your jar, label it, and set it out of direct sunlight.
  • You can use your orange sugar after a few days, but the scent and flavor get stronger the longer it sets.