Reduced orange juice is made by cooking fresh orange juice over low heat until it becomes thick and syrupy. This process concentrates the flavor of the juice and adds a natural sweetness resulting in a bright and fresh citrus flavor. Adding extra sugar makes the orange reduction even more syrupy, which is perfect for adding moisture and sweetness to this recipe. Orange extract, on the other hand, is a concentrated flavoring made by extracting the essential oils from the rind of an orange. It has a more intense and artificial flavor compared to reduced orange juice, and it may contain additional ingredients, such as alcohol or corn syrup. So, while orange extract can be a convenient and easy way to add orange flavor to recipes, it may not provide the same depth of flavor and natural sweetness as reduced orange juice.