Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin tins or line them with paper liners.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, poppy seeds, and zest. In another bowl combine the eggs, sugar, milk, 1/2 cup orange juice. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.

Fill each muffin tin about 2/3 full. Place in the preheated oven for about 15 to 17 minute or test with a wooden toothpick, insert and if it comes out clean the muffins are done.

While the muffins are baking combine the juice of an orange with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Once the muffins are removed from the oven using a pastry brush - brush that tops of the muffins with the juice. Wait for the muffins to cool slightly and brush one more time with the juice.