Creamy Valencia Orange Milk Delight
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Ingredients
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3 large Fresh Valencia oranges
(Preferably ripe and juicy)
-
400 ml Whole milk
(Can substitute with almond or oat milk for vegan option)
-
2 tbsp Honey
(Adjust sweetness as preferred)
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1 tsp Vanilla extract
(Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor)
-
0.25 tsp Ground cinnamon
(A small pinch to add warming spice)
-
6 pieces Ice Cubes
(For serving chilled)
(Preferably ripe and juicy)
(Can substitute with almond or oat milk for vegan option)
(Adjust sweetness as preferred)
(Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor)
(A small pinch to add warming spice)
(For serving chilled)
Nutrition
- Servings: 2
- Serving Size: 1 glass (250ml)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Calcium: 300 mg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
Instructions
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1 - Juice the Oranges:
Carefully peel and juice the Valencia oranges to extract fresh orange juice. Strain to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth drink.
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2 - Combine Milk and Honey:
In a small saucepan, warm the whole milk over low heat. Stir in the honey and vanilla extract until dissolved and the mixture is fragrant. Do not boil.
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3 - Mix Orange Juice and Milk:
Remove the milk mixture from heat. Gradually whisk in the fresh orange juice and cinnamon until well combined and creamy.
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4 - Serve:
Pour the mixture into two serving glasses over ice cubes if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice and serve chilled.
Carefully peel and juice the Valencia oranges to extract fresh orange juice. Strain to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth drink.
In a small saucepan, warm the whole milk over low heat. Stir in the honey and vanilla extract until dissolved and the mixture is fragrant. Do not boil.
Remove the milk mixture from heat. Gradually whisk in the fresh orange juice and cinnamon until well combined and creamy.
Pour the mixture into two serving glasses over ice cubes if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice and serve chilled.
More About: Creamy Valencia Orange Milk Delight
Naranja Valenciana con Leche: A Creamy Spanish Citrus Drink
Naranja Valenciana con Leche is a pleasantly creamy, citrus-based beverage drawing inspiration from the renowned Valencia oranges of Spain, acclaimed worldwide for their sweetness and juiciness. This drink marries the bright, fresh taste of Valencia orange juice with the smooth richness of milk, subtly sweetened with honey and toned by warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The resulting beverage is delightfully refreshing yet comforting, perfect for both warm afternoons and cozy nights.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Valencia oranges have deep roots in Spanish agriculture and cuisine. Their cultivation enhanced Spain's agrarian exports historically, and today they remain a culinary symbol of the Mediterranean climate's bounty. The combination of citrus with milk-esque textures often appears in southern European and Mediterranean cuisines, frequently in desserts and light snacks. This recipe modernizes that combination by serving it as a smooth beverage, balancing acidity and creaminess in a novel way.
Unique Aspects
Unlike many orange drinks made purely from citrus with sugar or water, this recipe incorporates warm milk infused lightly with vanilla and cinnamon, creating layers of flavor and texture. Warm milk gently melting honey releases a mellow sweetness, offsetting orange's natural tartness without overpowering it. Stirring in spice highlights the flavor depth and adds a comforting aromatic complexity.
Tips & Tricks
- Use ripe, juicy Valencia oranges for best flavor; navel oranges work if unavailable.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute milk with oat, almond, or coconut milk.
- Adjust sweetness per taste — local honeys add a unique floral dimension.
- Avoid boiling milk to preserve creaminess and prevent curdling when combined with orange juice.
- Serve chilled or slightly warm depending on preference and weather.
Personal Thoughts
I love how Naranja Valenciana con Leche bridges the lightness of citrus with comforting creaminess. It refreshes without the syrupy feel of many fruit drinks and offers a distinctive Spanish twist worthy of trying beyond typical orange juices or milkshakes. It embodies Mediterranean sunshine in a glass and can serve as a charmingly wholesome treat or dessert accompaniment.
Give it a try and savor a sip of Valencia's essence, transformed into a gentle indulgence by milk’s touch.
