Orange has long been an affluent character in the realm of cocktails. Sometimes flaunting itself as boldly as in a Screwdriver however also showing a humble ability to express itself more discretely, in cocktails such as Cosmopolitans and Negronis. Whether soaking up the lime(’s) light or featuring as an unsung hero there is no doubt that Orange has a significant and transformative role on the scene, cemented by it’s pervasive presence across cocktail recipe lists. In this week’s blog we dive into the enduring appeal of the orange, followed by 6 Orange Cocktails set to be all the rage this Indian summer.
Why is it so damn popular?
Orange the Chameleon
One of the primary reasons for orange’s popularity is its versatility. From fresh juice to zest, liqueurs, bitters, and syrups, orange can be used in countless ways to add depth and complexity to cocktails. Its ability to complement a wide range of spirits from Vodka to Whiskey and Mezcal, makes it a true chameleon. Take the Margarita, an icon of a cocktail that wouldn’t be the same without the subtle bitterness of orange liqueur working earnestly to balance the tangy sweetness of fresh lime juice and punchy tequila kick. Or the Sidecar, a sophisticated blend of cognac, lemon juice, and Cointreau (orange liquor) that showcases a melodic interplay of citrus and spirits.
Sunshine Sipping
Beyond its versatility, orange’s refreshing bite is another reason why it’s so popular and loved in cocktails. The combination of sweetness with acidity, and bright citrus notes drives invigorating and satisfying flavour profiles, giving you that ‘thirst-quencher’ factor, making it an ideal ingredient in cocktails that are to be sipped in the sunshine! This acidity can muffle the taste of ethanol from accompanying spirits to reveal the bright citrus flavours. While other citrus fruits are higher in citric acid and lower in sugar, driving stronger tart and bitter flavours. Swapping in fruits such as lemon, for example, in place of orange in a cocktail, would likely overpower other flavours and spirits in the drink. This causes disruption in the balance and flavour of the entire drink… screaming MAYDAY in the cock(tail)pit!
6 Orange Cocktail Recipes Ready for an Indian Summer
APEROL SPRITZ
Ingredients:
- 25ml Gin
- 15 ml Aperol
- 20 ml elderflower liqueur
- 10 ml fresh lemon juice
- Top – 50 ml Prosecco
- Top – 100 ml soda water
- To garnish: Fresh mint leaves.
Instructions:
In a spritz glass or large wine glass half filled with ice add the gin, Aperol, elderflower and lemon juice and stir to combine. Top with prosecco and soda and garnish with fresh mint sprig.
SMOKY ORANGE AND THYME MARGARITA
Ingredients:
- 60 ml tequila
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 30 ml Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 15 ml agave nectar
- 7.5 ml smoky mezcal
- To garnish: Sprig of fresh thyme
- Salt for rim
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the liquid ingredients. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds before straining into glass. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
LEMON DROP
Ingredients:
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- To garnish: Lemon peel
Instructions:
Chill a martini glass (either in a fridge or by adding ice to it). Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add ingredients and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass (once ice removed) and garnish with a lemon twist.
ROBIN REDBREAST
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Absolut vodka
- 15 ml triple sec
- 30 ml blood orange juice, freshly squeezed (or blood orange puree)
- 15 ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
- To garnish: Orange twist
Instructions:
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with orange twist.
MAI TAI
Ingredients:
- 60 ml dark rum
- 30 ml orgeat syrup
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 15 ml pineapple juice
- 7.5 ml almond liqueur
- To garnish: 1 cherry and
- To garnish: 1 lime wedge
Instructions:
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds then strain into a tiki glass. Garnish with a cherry and a lime wedge.
CARDAMOM ORANGE ESPRESSO MARTINI
Ingredients:
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml cold brew coffee
- 15 ml Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 7.5 ml simple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- To garnish: Espresso beans
- To Garnish: orange peel
Instructions:
Chill a martini glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, cold brew coffee, Cointreau, simple syrup, and ground cardamom. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with espresso beans and/or orange peel twist.
