The ranja recipe
for your table
Pour the syrup into the glass first, so you can see exactly how much goes in. A bottom layer of about 5 cl is enough for a one-third-liter glass.
Top up with cold water until the glass is almost full. Use approximately 1 part syrup to 6 to 8 parts water: 5 cl of syrup therefore calls for 30 to 40 cl of water, depending on how sweet you like it.
Stir with a long spoon from the bottom upwards until the color is even throughout. Syrup is heavier than water and otherwise sinks to the bottom in a layer, making the first sip too sweet and the last taste like nothing.
Add the ice when it's warm and hang the orange slice on the rim. For something festive, you can replace the water with sparkling water or let a scoop of vanilla ice cream sink into the glass.
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The story
Ranja is a brand name that became a generic term, just as happened with luxaflex and aspirin: in the Netherlands, people say ranja for almost any diluted fruit syrup, regardless of what is written on the bottle. The drink itself is as simple as can be: fruit syrup plus water. That is precisely why the ratio is everything. At home, one person may have a light pink glass on the table, while another has a glass that is almost red, and the only difference is how much water was added. At children's parties, the bottle of syrup stands next to a jug of water, and that is exactly the right setup: everyone pours their own strength.
The right glass
Ranja belongs in a glass that can take a knock, because it travels back and forth between the table, garden and kitchen counter in children's hands. Tempered glass is made for this: it is impact-resistant, dishwasher-safe and handles cold water without a problem. A 25 cl tumbler fits comfortably in a small hand, while you use a taller size when ice is added. The classic models can be found among the Duralex Picardie glasses.
Duralex Picardie Tumbler 25 cl Blue (6 pieces)
Arcoroc Islande Long Drink Glass 22 cl (6 pieces)
Both sets together € 32,90.
The right tools
For ranja, besides the glass, you use a citrus juicer if you make your own fruit syrup, and a long bar spoon to stir the syrup all the way to the bottom. These are the bar tools we use ourselves; you can find everything in our bar tools & cocktail sets.
Glass set (our choice 01) + 2 bar tools together € 43,85.
What do the grown-ups add?
Ranja itself is for children and contains no alcohol. If there's a children's party or an afternoon in the garden on the agenda, adults usually have a glass of wine with it, or prosecco if there's something to celebrate. On every drink page, you'll find the percentage, what it tastes like, which cocktails pair well with it, and which glass you need.
Variations & twists
Replace the water with sparkling water for a fizzy version that instantly looks more festive on the table. Drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream into the glass and the syrup will foam around it, a bit like an ice cream sundae you can drink. You can also make your own syrup: boil 500 grams of fruit with 250 grams of sugar and a splash of water until the fruit breaks down, strain it through a fine sieve, and store the syrup in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. Fresh syrup keeps for a week or two. Need more inspiration? Browse more than 100 cocktail recipes.
Serving tip
Put the bottle of syrup next to a jug of cold water on the table instead of diluting everything in advance. That way, everyone can pour their preferred strength and nothing is left standing. Don't fill the glasses to the brim, because there will be nothing left over when stirring. A few glass straws complete the experience and can simply be cleaned afterward.
Good to know
What is the syrup-to-water ratio?
Approximately 1 part syrup to 6 to 8 parts water. So, 5 cl of syrup requires 30 to 40 cl of water. Start on the weaker side and add a splash of syrup if necessary; you can always make it sweeter, but you can't take water out.
Why do you need to stir well?
Syrup is heavier than water and sinks to the bottom. If you don't stir, the first sip will be far too sweet and the last will taste like nothing. So stir from the bottom upward until the color is the same throughout the glass.
Where does the name ranja come from?
Ranja started as a brand name and became a generic term in Dutch. People use ranja for almost any diluted lemonade syrup, regardless of which brand is on the bottle. The same thing happened with words like luxaflex and aspirin.
Can you make your own syrup?
Yes, and it doesn't need to be more than fruit and sugar. Cook about 500 grams of soft fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, with 250 grams of sugar and a splash of water until the fruit falls apart. Strain it through a fine sieve, let the syrup cool, and store it in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator.
With sparkling water or still water?
Still water gives you the familiar version everyone knows. Sparkling water turns it into a fizzy lemonade and also makes the color rise more beautifully in the glass. Pour in the sparkling water carefully and stir briefly, otherwise it quickly loses its fizz.
How long does diluted ranja keep?
Once diluted, drink it the same day, because the flavor deteriorates as soon as water is added and a layer quickly forms on the bottom of a pitcher. Syrup in the bottle keeps much longer; store homemade syrup in the refrigerator and use it within a week or two.
Frequently asked questions
How much syrup goes in a glass of ranja?
About 1 part syrup to 6 to 8 parts water, so roughly 5 cl of syrup in a glass with 30 to 40 cl of water. Start with a weaker mixture and add more syrup if needed.
Is ranja a brand or a type of drink?
Both. Ranja started as a brand name and later became a generic term in Dutch for diluted lemonade syrup, just as luxaflex and aspirin became generic terms for their categories.
How do you make your own syrup for ranja?
Cook about 500 grams of soft fruit with 250 grams of sugar and a splash of water until the fruit falls apart, strain it through a fine sieve, and store the syrup in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. Use it within a week or two.
Can you make ranja with sparkling water?
Yes. Replace still water with sparkling water and you'll have a fizzy lemonade. Pour carefully and stir only briefly, because vigorous stirring quickly makes the carbonation disappear.
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