The Simple Addition To Boost Store-Bought Orange Juice

When it comes to your morning orange juice, you can't beat fresh-squeezed, but that's not to say that store-bought can't be a treat, too. If it's not to your taste on its own, don't worry. Even the worst store-bought orange juice can get a major boost with just one simple addition: honey.

Honey is the trick to sprucing up your store-bought OJ. It adds extra sweetness and counteracts some of orange juice's natural sour and tart notes without being overbearing (assuming you're not heavy-handed with this addition). Even better, adding honey is as simple as could be. Just spoon it in and stir until it dissolves. To help it along, you can add just a smidge of hot water. We recommend one-quarter of a tablespoon for a standard glass, enough to enhance your juice without being overly sweet. Feel free to add a little more if you like your orange juice extra sweet.

When it comes to honey, you might hear a lot of potentially overblown health claims, like that it can help lower blood pressure or reduce bad cholesterol. While honey was used for medicinal purposes in ancient times and there are indications that it can fight bacteria, the possible links between honey and some claimed health benefits is still being investigated. Ultimately, you might decide it's not terribly conclusive (per Healthline). But something we do know to be true is that OJ and honey are both high in sugar, so you're probably best off practicing moderation with this treat.

Of course, honey isn't the only way to give store-bought orange juice that extra boost. A little ice and sparkling mineral water will give your drink an extra cool, refreshing fizz, and it works wonderfully with the honey. Not to mention, it adds a touch of elegance that will make you feel like you're drinking your orange juice in a fanciful palace ... but right in the comfort of your own home.

You can also add different kinds of juice to your OJ. If you're looking to get an extra serving of veggies in your diet, carrot juice makes a surprisingly good addition to your morning OJ. Carrot and orange juice is a sweet combination with just a hint of bitter, earthy flavor to add some complexity to your glass of juice. Not to mention, carrot juice is in fact confirmed to have plenty of beta carotene and vitamin A, among other valuable nutrients (via Healthline).

Finally, a great way to take your morning juice to the next level is with a bit of lemon. Add just a touch of extra sugar, some juice, and a scattering of lemon and orange zest to turn your OJ into orange lemonade, a delightful treat that will make your taste buds cheer. You can use store-bought lemon juice, but for that extra fresh zip, we recommend fresh. It's worth the effort, and you may be surprised by how much juice you can get from one lemon.