Orange Blossom Cocktail
The Orange Blossom is a delightfully simple and refreshing cocktail that beautifully pairs the botanical notes of gin with the sweet citrus tang of fresh orange juice. Often considered a variation of the Screwdriver (which uses vodka), this drink has a more complex flavor profile thanks to the gin. It's a perfect brunch cocktail or a light aperitif, celebrated for its straightforward preparation and bright, sunny character.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Orange Blossom is a classic cocktail that gained popularity during the Prohibition era. It falls into the category of simple mixed drinks, often enjoyed before a meal as an aperitif or during brunch.
Serving
Served cold in a chilled Highball or coupe glass, this is a refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approx. 150-180 ml / 5-6 oz
Alcohol content
Around 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass
Backstory
The Orange Blossom cocktail is believed to have originated during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). The strong flavor of orange juice was effective at masking the often harsh taste of "bathtub gin". Its name is also said to be a nod to the "Orange Blossom Special," a famous passenger train that ran between New York City and Florida, the heart of orange country.
Origin
United States, Prohibition era (1920s).
Orange Blossom Cocktail
The drink is most commonly known as the Orange Blossom Cocktail or simply Orange Blossom. It's also sometimes referred to by its simple ingredients, Gin and Orange Juice, highlighting its straightforward composition.
Original name
Orange Blossom Cocktail
Alternative names
- Orange Blossom
- Gin and Orange Juice
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a refreshing citrus and botanical flavor with a dominant orange aroma. It's a smooth, still drink with a beautiful pale orange color, perfect for summer sipping.
Flavor
Citrusy, sweet, botanical, refreshing, fruity
Aroma
Orange, juniper, citrus peel
Taste balance
Sweet, slightly sour
Aftertaste
Clean, short, citrusy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Opaque, pale orange, sunny yellow
Texture
Smooth, light
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
It has a straightforward, fruit-forward flavor profile where sweetness from the orange juice is balanced by the botanical notes of the gin. The alcohol presence is moderate.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You'll need gin and orange juice as the primary components, with freshly squeezed juice being ideal. Some classic recipes also call for a splash of sweet vermouth to add depth.
- Gin60 ml / 2 ozA London Dry Gin works well to cut through the sweetness of the orange.
- Orange Juice60 ml / 2 ozFreshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)An optional addition for a more complex, herbal flavor. This makes it closer to the original Savoy recipe.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
A cocktail shaker is needed to properly chill and combine the ingredients. You'll also need a jigger for measuring and a strainer for a smooth pour.
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer
Instructions
This drink is made by shaking gin and orange juice (and optional vermouth) with ice, then straining it into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange slice and serve right away.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the gin, fresh orange juice, and optional sweet vermouth to the shaker.
3. Shake well for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled Highball or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with an orange slice, wheel, or twist.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Garnishing
Garnish with a fresh orange slice, wheel, or an expressed orange twist to enhance the citrus aroma.
- Orange slice or wheel, placed on the rim or in the glass.
- Orange twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It's also vegan, vegetarian, caffeine-free, and can be gluten-free if a properly distilled gin is used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the orange juice. The exact nutritional values can vary based on the juice's sweetness.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-13 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is a versatile drink perfect for brunch, as a light pre-dinner aperitif, or for casual sipping on a warm day. Its refreshing nature makes it a great choice for summer parties and gatherings.
- Brunch
- Aperitif
- Summer Party
- Casual Drink
Pairing suggestions
The Orange Blossom pairs wonderfully with brunch foods like Eggs Benedict or pancakes. It also complements light salads and seafood appetizers, thanks to its refreshing citrus profile.
- Eggs Benedict
- Light salads
- Seafood appetizers
- French toast or pancakes
The Orange Blossom Cocktail: A Sunny Prohibition Classic
The Orange Blossom is a simple yet elegant Prohibition-era classic that combines gin and fresh orange juice. Its refreshing, citrus-forward profile makes it an excellent choice for brunch, a pre-dinner drink, or easy sipping on a sunny day. While often compared to a Screwdriver, the gin provides a more complex botanical backbone that elevates this two-ingredient wonder. Easy to make and universally pleasing, it's a timeless cocktail worth rediscovering.
Similar cocktails
Screwdriver
Uses vodka instead of gin.
Harvey Wallbanger
A Screwdriver (vodka, orange juice) with a float of Galliano L'Autentico.
Mimosa
Uses sparkling wine instead of gin.
Tequila Sunrise
Uses tequila instead of gin and adds grenadine for a layered "sunrise" effect.
Greyhound
Uses grapefruit juice instead of orange juice.
Variations
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