Homemade Tang-Style Citrus Breakfast Drink

Homemade Tang-Style Citrus Breakfast Drink

Introduction

Tang was once the “happiest thing that ever happened to breakfast.” It wasn’t just a drink—it was an experience. Kids loved its bold orange flavor, parents loved its added vitamins, and it became iconic when NASA astronauts took it on space missions. If you’re craving that same sweet, tangy, nostalgic taste, you can easily recreate a homemade Tang-style drink using natural ingredients (or a powdered mix if you want the classic retro vibe).

Ingredients

For Homemade Tang-Style Powder (makes about 12 servings):

  • 1 ½ cups powdered orange drink mix (unsweetened, like orange Kool-Aid)
  • 1 cup powdered lemonade mix (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup instant iced tea powder (unsweetened, optional for a retro taste)
  • 2 cups sugar (or powdered sweetener for sugar-free version)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground orange zest (dried, for an extra citrus kick)
  • ½ teaspoon citric acid (for tanginess, optional)

For Each Glass of Tang Drink:

  • 2 tablespoons homemade Tang mix
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Powder Mix:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine orange drink mix, lemonade mix, iced tea powder (if using), sugar, orange zest, and citric acid.
  • Mix well until evenly blended.
  • Store in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid (just like the classic Tang jars!).
  1. Make the Drink:
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the Tang powder mix to a tall glass.
  • Pour in 1 cup of cold water.
  • Stir until fully dissolved.
  • Add ice cubes if desired.
  1. For a Pitcher (4 servings):
  • Mix ½ cup of Tang powder with 4 cups of cold water in a pitcher.
  • Stir well and refrigerate.

Methods

  • Classic Method: Just powder + water. Sweet, tangy, refreshing.
  • Sparkling Method: Mix the powder with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy treat.
  • Smoothie Method: Blend Tang powder with ice, yogurt, and banana for a creamy orange smoothie.
  • Cocktail Method: Use Tang as a mixer with vodka or rum for a nostalgic adult twist.

Benefits

  • Vitamin Boost: The homemade version can be fortified with vitamin C powder for immunity.
  • Convenience: Just mix and drink—no peeling oranges or squeezing juice.
  • Kid-Friendly: Sweet and tangy taste kids love.
  • Long Shelf Life: The powder can last months in a sealed container.

History

Tang was invented in 1957 by William A. Mitchell (the same food scientist behind Pop Rocks, Cool Whip, and Jell-O). At first, it didn’t sell well, but when NASA used it during the Gemini space missions in the 1960s, sales skyrocketed. Kids wanted to “drink like astronauts,” and Tang became a breakfast staple in homes around the world

Nutrition (per 1 cup prepared with sugar):

  • Calories: ~90
  • Carbs: ~23g
  • Sugars: ~22g
  • Vitamin C: Varies depending on added supplement (can provide 100% daily value if fortified).

Lovers of Tang

  • Kids of the 60s–80s: Grew up with Tang in their school lunches.
  • Astronaut fans: Love the space connection.
  • Nostalgic adults today: Recreate it for a taste of childhood.

Conclusion

Tang wasn’t just a drink—it was a cultural phenomenon. Whether you remember sipping it on hot summer days or mixing it up for breakfast before school, this sweet orange powder defined a generation. Now, with this homemade Tang recipe, you can relive the nostalgia or introduce it to a new generation.

Leave a Comment