Nedick's Orange Drink
Nedick's orange drink was the signature beverage of the once-iconic New York City restaurant chain Nedick's. It was a sweet, bright orange-colored drink with a distinct artificial orange flavor accented by hints of vanilla.
Nedick's Orange Drink
You know that feeling when a certain taste or smell instantly transports you back in time? For me, it's the bright, citrusy zing of a Nedick's orange drink that whisks me away to the bustling streets of mid-20th century New York City.
Nedick's was an iconic chain that seemed to be on every other corner in those days. Their signature orange drink was a beloved staple, a refreshing pick-me-up for weary workers, antsy kids, and everyone in between. That vibrant, artificially-orange hue called out from the soda fountain like a beacon.
Sadly, Nedick's is long gone, another victim of the big chain takeover. But the craving for that distinct, subtly vanilla-laced orange nectar never left some of usdiehards. So I've made it my mission to recreate that nostalgic sipper at home.
Now, let's be clear - I have no delusions of capturing the "real" Nedick's recipe. That was a tightly-guarded secret that likely went to the corporate grave. But through trial, error, and tapping into fragmented memories, I think I've landed on something pretty darn close.
The key is nailing that color - a concentrated, almost neon orange that they definitely got from food dye rather than nature's hand. A bright, sunny hue that immediately floods your brain's pleasure centers with happy associations.
The flavor, though? That's where it gets tricky. Too much real orange, and it doesn't taste quite right. Nedick's had a more subdued, almost candy-like orange tang. So I rely on a combination of orange juice concentrate and extract, with an extra kick of vanilla to replicate that signature Nedick's je ne sais quoi.
A touch of salt actually helps round it all out into a perfectly crave-worthy, nostalgic sipper. The kind of drink that makes you close your eyes and imagine an old-timey soda jerk whipping it up behind a battered chrome counter.
Is my homemade version 100% authentic? Of course not. But it scratches that itch for a little taste of old New York in a way no modern orange beverage can. For me, it's a transporting, comforting experience with each gloriously artificial sip.
So grab a glass, give my recipe a try, and see if it takes you back too. Just maybe don't blame me if you start craving a hot dog slathered in that distinctive neon green Nedick's relish next!
Disclaimer: This is simply my own labor of love inspired by fond Nedick's memories. I have no affiliation with the old company or ownership of any trade secrets/recipes. My version is just one fan's humble reimagining!
Nedick's Orange Drink (Copycat Recipe)
Nedick's Orange Drink: A Nostalgic Sip of Old New York
prep time with cook time.
Serves 6 and contains approximately 120 calories per serving.
American / Beverage
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1⁄4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄4 teaspoon orange extract
- 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
- Orange food coloring (about 10-15 drops)
Directions
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Allow the sugar water to cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the orange juice concentrate, vanilla extract, orange extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Add the orange food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired bright orange color.
- Refrigerate until chilled and serve over ice.
This recreated version tries to capture the bright orange color, sweet orange flavor, and hints of vanilla that made Nedick's orange drinks so distinctive and memorable. However, without the original recipe, it can only approximate the real thing.
Check this video out about Nedick's Orange Drink.
Rated 4.9 by 27 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: Nedick's Orange Drink, Nedick's Orange Drink Recipe
Published by: Dish Dupes
Nedick's Orange Drink FAQ
What made Nedick's orange drink so special and iconic? Nedick's orange drink had a cult following due to its bright, almost neon orange color, sweet-tart citrus flavor with hints of vanilla, and nostalgic ties to old-school New York soda fountains. Its distinct artificial taste and appearance made it stand out.
Is this recipe an exact replica of the original Nedick's recipe?
No, this is just a "copycat" attempt to recreate the taste and spirit of Nedick's orange drink. The original recipe was a closely guarded secret that was lost when the chain went out of business.Why use orange juice concentrate instead of fresh orange juice? Fresh orange juice has a more strong, tart flavor. The concentrate provides a more muted, sweet orange taste that is closer to the nostalgic Nedick's profile.
What is the purpose of the vanilla and orange extracts? The vanilla extract replicates the signature vanilla notes in the original drink. The orange extract boosts the overall orange essence without adding more tartness from juice.
Is the salt necessary? What does it do? The small amount of salt may seem counterintuitive, but it actually helps round out the flavor and prevent it from tasting too flat or one-note sweet.
How much food coloring should be used for that iconic neon hue? Start with around 10-15 drops of orange food coloring, then add more until you reach that artificial, bright orange color that screams "vintage soda fountain!"
Can this be made into a slushie or frozen drink? Absolutely! This drink base would work great as a slushie. Simply blend with ice until reaching your desired frozen consistency.
How long does the homemade orange drink keep? It's best consumed fresh and chilled, but leftovers should keep for 3-4 days, refrigerated in an airtight container or bottle. The color may start to fade over time.
Can different sweeteners be used besides white sugar? You can experiment with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or artificial ones. Just be aware it may impact the final flavor compared to the original.
Where can I get authentic Nedick's memorabilia? While the chain is defunct, you can still occasionally find vintage Nedick's signs, cups, mugs and other nostalgic items on sites like eBay from collectors.
