11 Zesty Orange Juice Cocktails For Every Occasion and Season
July 08, 2022 by Sonja Edridge
If you’re one who loves drinks made with orange juice, then we’ve got fantastic news for you. Our eleven orange juice cocktails are real crowd pleasers, and great for enjoying all year round.
1. Mimosa
A Mimosa is a perfect beginner’s cocktail as it is impossible to get wrong. Enjoy this refreshing drink at brunch – it pairs well with all things breakfast, from eggs and avo to fiery shakshuka. The Mimosa recipe is one of the simplest drinks made with orange juice: it’s a 50/50 mix of just 2 ingredients, bubbly Champagne and fresh zesty orange juice. Switch up the ratios and add more OJ if you prefer a lower-alcohol drink.
2. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is another of the classic drinks made with orange juice and this beachy cocktail layers just like a glorious sunrise, giving it all the photogenic appeal. It combines orange juice with grenadine and tequila for a bright, citrusy taste. The sweet syrupy grenadine mixes deliciously with the tangy orange juice for an easy fresh and fruity drink you’ll want to make again and again. Garnished in retro style with a maraschino cherry, it’s no surprise this cocktail was all the rage in the 70s.
3. Tequila Sunset
The Tequila Sunset is very similar to the Tequila Sunrise except it has a deep red tint from the addition of blackberry brandy instead of grenadine. The Tequila Sunset is not as sweet as the Sunrise but it’s still super tasty with all the fruity tanginess you’d expect.
4. Orange Margarita
As you can imagine, it didn’t take long before the classic Margarita evolved into a cocktail with orange juice, especially for those who prefer a sweeter sip over the tart limey OG Margarita. This bright and vibrant cocktail is a super zesty, tangy drink that’s one of the best fruity cocktails for your balmy backyard cookouts. It’s a blend of all the regulars you’d expect to find in a Margarita but an unexpected shot of Campari and orange juice. For the best version, use freshly squeezed orange juice of course and zest a little orange peel into the salt for a tangy colorful rimmed glass!
5. Blood Orange Margarita
The crimson colored blood orange juice and cheeky whisper of Campari transform the classic Margarita into something truly special. The Blood Orange Margarita is bolder than our regular orange one and quite a bit sweeter with all the tang. It’s a must-pour when beautiful blood oranges are in season between December and April. We rate it as one of the best orange juice cocktails for sure, especially if you enjoy the bittersweet flavors.
6. Garibaldi
The Garibaldi cocktail recipe is a speedy 2 ingredient cocktail that pays tribute to Italy’s unification, where the north and south joined forces, in which General Garibaldi was a key figure. This popular bittersweet cocktail is super-easy to blend up with freshly frothed orange juice (originally southern Sicilian oranges) and the iconic Italian aperitif, Campari from the North. This fantastic tangy summer cocktail is served chilled over ice. Cocktail making just cannot get any simpler, especially if you are planning an outdoor cocktail party.
7. Orange Blossom
This dainty gin cocktail is often the toast at weddings as it symbolizes all the romantic things like eternal love, good luck and fertility but its evergreen charm makes it a perfect serve for any occasion. The Orange Blossom Cocktail is fresh and citrusy with a mix of orange juice, gin and sweet Vermouth. Not only does it taste sublime, but it’s also a very good-looking cocktail too.
8. Screwdriver
With a name like Screwdriver, one imagines something rather intimidating in the orange juice alcoholic drinks department but don’t be scared off — it’s said to have gotten its name some years ago from folks using a screwdriver to stir it up rather than a spoon. This IBA official cocktail is similar to the Garibaldi but it mixes vodka instead of Campari with OJ for another super-easy 2 ingredient cocktail. Just promise us you’ll avoid mixing it with a rusty screwdriver when making these easy summer cocktails. If you’re feeling adventurous look at our article on how to smoke cocktails, and take your Screwdriver to another dimension.
9. Blood and Sand
Dating back to the 1930s, this scotch-based cocktail definitely deserves a comeback. The Blood and Sand cocktail is a delightfully sweet and refreshing whisky drink with hints of spice that’s said to turn even whisky haters into fans. The orange juice tames the whisky into a smooth drinking cocktail, making for a stylish aperitif.
10. Sex on the Beach
The Sex on the Beach cocktail may sound a little naughty, but this classic cocktail is all about the tropical beachy feels. It’s a combination of vodka and peach schnapps topped up with freshly squeezed orange juice and cranberry juice. Of course, this raunchy cocktail is a popular request for any bacherlotte party.
11. Clockwork Orange
There are a few variations of this drink served up around town, but the simplest one is the one we favor. The Clockwork Orange cocktail is not nearly as controversial as the film but it was inspired by a fan of the movie. To make this after-dinner cocktail, shake together aquavit, coffee, Aperol with simple syrup and bitters. Strain into a lowball glass over a large ice cube and garnish with flamed orange peel before serving.
