Chilean Chicha with Orange — Chicha con Naranja Recipe

Chilean grape chicha with fresh orange juice served in a glass with an orange slice — Grape chicha with orange

Chilean chicha with orange, or chicha con naranja, is a refreshing country drink that mixes cold grape chicha with freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled and served with ice and an orange slice. It takes 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes of chilling, and serves 4.

It combines the sweetness of chicha with the bright flavor of orange, and it is perfect for family gatherings and hot summer days in the Chilean countryside.

How to Make Chicha with Orange?

It is very simple. Cold grape chicha is poured into a pitcher, fresh orange juice is squeezed and added, and the mix is stirred gently and chilled for about 30 minutes before serving in wide glasses with an orange slice.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of chicha with orange contains approximately 150 kcal, 1 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 30 g of carbohydrates, 25 g of sugars, 0 g of fiber, and 5 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Homemade Chilean Chicha with Orange Recipe

Preparation: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Servings: 4

Ingredients

750 ml (3 cups) of grape chicha
250 ml (1 cup) of fresh orange juice, from 4 to 5 oranges
Ice cubes
Orange slices, to serve

Chilean Food Recipes: Traditional and Heritage Cuisine of Chile

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Instructions

Pour all the chicha into a large pitcher, making sure it is well chilled. Cut 4 to 5 fresh oranges in half and squeeze them with a manual or electric juicer until you have 250 ml of juice, removing the seeds.

Traditional Chilean grape chicha for mixing with orange juice — Grape Chicha

Add the juice to the pitcher with the chicha and stir gently. Ideally, chill the mix in the fridge for about 30 minutes, then serve in wide glasses with ice and an orange slice.

Additional Tips

Boost the citrus

Grate a little orange zest directly into the pitcher before adding the juice. It releases the essential oils of the peel and gives a more intense fragrance.

Macerate the slices

For a more refined version, macerate orange slices with a tablespoon of sugar for 15 minutes before adding them. They create a natural syrup that balances the acidity of the juice.

Fresh oranges for squeezing into Chilean chicha — Fresh Oranges

Make it alcohol free

Use unfermented grape must or diluted grape juice instead of chicha for a family friendly version with the same traditional flavor.

Original ingredient	Substitute	Ratio	Flavor note
Grape chicha	Unfermented grape must	1:1	Alcohol free
Fresh orange juice	Mandarin juice	1:1	Sweeter, more aromatic
Ice cubes	Frozen orange juice cubes	To taste	No dilution
Orange slices	Sugared orange slices	1 per glass	Sweeter finish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make an alcohol free version?

Yes, use unfermented chicha (grape must) or grape juice concentrate diluted with water. The result is a refreshing drink for all ages with the same traditional flavor.

2. Which oranges work best?

Juicing oranges such as Valencia or navel are ideal for their high juice content and balance of sweetness and acidity. Avoid very sour oranges, which can overpower the chicha.

3. How long does it keep?

The mix keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, but it is best the same day, when the orange juice is freshest.

4. Can I freeze it into popsicles?

Absolutely. Pour it into popsicle molds, or into ice cube trays to add to other drinks such as sparkling water.

What Is Chilean Chicha?

In central Chile, chicha is a young, lightly fermented drink made from grape or apple juice, sweet and only mildly alcoholic. It is the traditional drink of the September Fiestas Patrias, and towns such as Curacaví are famous for it.

History of Grape Chicha

Chicha is an ancestral drink in Chile with roots in pre Hispanic fermented beverages. The grape version became one of the most popular in the wine growing regions of central Chile, and mixing it with orange juice softens its sweetness and adds freshness.