Orange juice is a popular drink that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with alcohol to create a variety of cocktails. The sweet, citrusy flavor of orange juice complements many different types of liquor and provides a tangy counterbalance to strong spirits. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best alcohol choices to mix with orange juice and provide tips for creating the ideal orange juice cocktail.
Vodka
One of the most classic and popular options for mixing with orange juice is vodka. The combination of vodka and orange juice creates a simple, refreshing drink known as a Screwdriver. The sweetness of the orange juice tempers the harsh burn of the vodka, making it smooth and easy to drink. To make a Screwdriver, simply mix 1 part vodka with 2 to 3 parts fresh orange juice, add ice, and garnish with an orange slice. Adjust the ratios to taste based on your vodka proof and preference. Screwdrivers are popular brunch and breakfast cocktails because they are relatively low in alcohol, tasty, and easy to drink.
For a twist, try mixing orange juice with flavored vodkas like citron or orange vodka. The complementary flavors accentuate the orange juice nicely. Or go for a Creamsicle-inspired cocktail by using vanilla vodka and topping off your drink with a splash of cream or milk.
Gin
Gin is another excellent choice for mixing with orange juice. The botanical flavors of gin pair wonderfully with the bright, citrusy notes of orange juice. One classic combination is the Orange Blossom, which mixes gin with orange juice and sometimes a splash of Triple Sec. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten up the citrus flavors even more. For a tropical twist, use coconut-flavored gin. Gin and juice cocktails are often lighter and more refreshing, allowing the orange flavor to really shine.
Tequila
The sweet tang of orange juice beautifully balances out the peppery bite of tequila. Mix them together for a flavorful Mexican-inspired cocktail. One simple tequila and orange juice drink is the Tequila Sunrise. Build this cocktail in a tall glass starting with ice, followed by 1 1/2 ounces white or gold tequila. Top with 4-5 ounces of fresh orange juice. Add a splash of grenadine syrup and watch it sink and create a gradient sunset effect. Garnish with an orange slice. For a citrusy margarita-style drink, mix tequila with orange juice and lime juice, then rim the glass with salt or sugar.
Rum
Spiced and dark rums pair deliciously with orange juice. The vanilla, caramel, and spice notes of the rum complement the sweet citrus flavors. For a simple yet tasty cocktail, mix 1 1/2 ounces rum with 5-6 ounces of orange juice over ice and garnish with an orange wedge. Spice it up with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Or create a Caribreeze cocktail with light and dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a float of Myers’s rum on top.
Whiskey
Whiskey and orange juice might not seem like an obvious pairing, but the sweet citrus juice can soften and accentuate flavors in whiskey. Try mixing Irish whiskey with orange juice for a sweet, smooth cocktail. Or use a peaty Scotch and shake it up in an orange juice mixer. Bourbons also complement orange juice nicely – the vanilla and oak notes pair well with the citrusy sweetness. Adjust ratios to taste and add ice or a few drops of water to open up the flavors.
Brandy
The rich, rounded flavors of brandy mesh nicely with fresh orange juice. For a Mediterranean twist, mix brandy with orange juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Fresh orange juice brightens up the spice and caramel notes of Cognac for a sweet, sophisticated drink. Or try using a pear or cherry brandy liqueur and adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a fall fruit flavors.
Cocktail Inspiration
If you’re looking for more ideas on cocktails to mix with orange juice, here are some classic and creative combinations to try:
- Mimosa – Champagne or sparkling wine and orange juice
- Bellini – Prosecco and orange juice
- Tequila Sunrise – Tequila, orange juice, grenadine syrup
- Screwdriver – Vodka and orange juice
- Brass Monkey – Vodka, orange juice, ginger beer
- Harvey Wallbanger – Vodka, orange juice, Galliano liqueur
- Orange Whiskey Sour – Whiskey, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup
- Blood Orange Paloma – Tequila, blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, sparkling water
- Florida Sunshine – Gin, orange juice, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur
- Orange Crush – Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, cream of coconut
Tips for Mixing with Orange Juice
To get the most flavor and best results when mixing cocktails with orange juice, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh squeezed orange juice whenever possible. The bottled stuff can’t compare to the bright, vibrant flavor of freshly squeezed OJ.
- If using carton orange juice, opt for not-from-concentrate juice with no added sugar.
- Adjust ratios based on your spirit strength and preference. Start with 2 parts juice to 1 part liquor.
- Add liquor to juice rather than juice to liquor to maintain proper dilution.
- Shake or stir with ice to properly chill and dilute drink. Orange juice can be thick.
- Consider complementary flavors like lemon, lime, ginger, vanilla, cinnamon to accent the orange.
- Make single servings rather than big batches to prevent dilution over time.
- Garnish with orange slices or wheels to enhance the orange aroma.
- Use a highball, rocks, or wine glass depending on cocktail style and volume.
Non-Alcoholic Orange Juice Cocktails
You can also make tasty non-alcoholic cocktails using orange juice as the star ingredient. Here are some refreshing options to try:
- Orange Julius – Orange juice, vanilla ice cream, milk, honey
- Orange Cream Fizz – Orange juice, cream soda, vanilla
- Sunrise Spritzer – Orange juice, grenadine, sparkling water
- Virgin Mimosa – Orange juice, ginger ale or sparkling juice
- Orange Smoothie – Orange juice, banana, Greek yogurt, honey
Conclusion
Orange juice is a versatile mixer that pairs well with a variety of alcohols. Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy all complement the sweet, vibrant citrus flavor. Consider the flavor profiles of the spirit and orange juice and experiment with ratios and accent ingredients to find your perfect combination. Use fresh squeezed juice whenever possible and adjust quantities based on the strength of the alcohol. With so many options, you’re sure to find an orange juice cocktail to enjoy any time of day.