Freshly squeezed oranges. Crushed ice. A splash of something strong. Maybe a little paper umbrella if you are feeling fancy? That is really all we need to be happy right now.
We are taking the humble orange and turning it into a party in a glass. It is sweet and tart and vibrant and just begging to be sipped on a patio somewhere sunny. Or your couch. The couch works too.
1. Screwdriver
This mix is one of the most budget-friendly options on the list, but it also happens to be incredibly tasty.
We are talking about five parts orange juice, two parts vodka, and a pinch of salt for a citrusy, refreshing sip that gets you tipsy without costing a fortune.
And the story behind the name is actually super cool. Author Victor Matus writes that American oil workers in the Persian Gulf invented this drink decades ago.
They were secretly mixing vodka and orange juice on the job, and since they didn’t have spoons, they used a screwdriver to stir it up.
2. Orange Margarita
If we are choosing between the OG margarita and the OJ margarita, I am giving the trophy to the orange version. Don’t get me wrong because the classic lime cocktail is obviously delicious.
But this version brings a splash of orange juice to the party for a sweeter aroma and a flavor that is just totally delectable.
You can trust that lime and orange combination to create a sensation your tastebuds will love.
3. Tequila Sunrise
This tequila-based cocktail features three distinct color layers that look just like a stunning sunrise. And honestly, it is every bit as scrumptious as it is beautiful.
It uses the standard ingredients you would expect in a tequila sunrise, like tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
But the real secret here is a splash of lime juice to balance that sweet grenadine and some seltzer for a little fizz. Just make sure you don’t stir the ingredients so you can keep that ombre effect on point.
4. Mimosa
It feels right to have one of the most popular cocktails ever on this list. The mimosa is a simple, sweet blend of champagne and orange juice.
Fun fact for you: authentic champagne comes specifically from grapes grown in Champagne, France. That means it can be a lot more expensive than your other sparkling wines.
But you can totally enjoy a delicious glass (or three) without emptying your wallet by using this recipe.
5. Garibaldi
Here is another super simple two-ingredient cocktail for your happy hour. Garibaldi is an Italian drink that mixes orange juice with Campari, which is a type of Italian bitters.
You are going to obsess over the team-up of bitter and sweet here because it creates such a perfect balance.
You also get those notes of citrus tanginess from the orange to give the cocktail some major depth.
6. Frozen Bahama Mama
This Frozen Bahama Mama gets top marks for its name, its look, and its flavor. How could you possibly say no to something that looks this exciting and tastes this incredible?
It is a mix of coconut-flavored rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
It feels like all the best tropical flavors decided to join forces to give you the ultimate summer treat.
7. Sex on the Beach
The name is definitely intriguing, but do you actually know what is inside this famous drink? Let me break it down for you.
It is a seductive concoction of peach schnapps, vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, and Chambord. Aside from the flavor, the two-layer tinge of red and orange-yellow makes it super memorable.
The beach is represented by the orange-yellow mix of peach schnapps and OJ. And the sultry sunset red comes from the Chambord and cranberry juice.
8. Orange Dreamsicle Cocktail
This cocktail is going to remind you of those orange creamsicles you devoured when you were a kid. It is fruity, creamy, sweet, and just purely addictive.
Just be careful not to let the alcohol sneak up on you!
This version of the ice cream truck classic gets spiked with whipped cream vodka, so it is definitely not for the kiddos.
9. Blood Orange Cocktail
You are going to have a terrific time using blood oranges in your cocktails because that hue gives the drink such a mesmerizing look.
Just look at this cocktail, for instance. The presentation is an absolute A+ thanks to those gorgeous blood orange slices.
And the taste? Let’s just say stopping at one serving is basically impossible.
The combination of vodka, white wine, simple syrup, Grand Marnier, and blood orange juice creates pure magic.
10. Golden Dream Cocktail
Who doesn’t want a sip of the golden dream? You will try it for the cool name, but you will crave more for the flavor.
This is the perfect cocktail for people who think drinks should basically be an extension of dessert.
It is a mix of orange juice, cream, triple sec, and Galliano L’Autentico that is as dreamy and creamy as can be.
Bonus points because the recipe uses a 1:1 ratio for everything so it is super easy to memorize.
11. Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail
Say hello to another 1970s throwback with the Harvey Wallbanger. This is a blend of orange juice, vodka, and a Galliano L’Autentico float that acts like a jazzed-up version of the Screwdriver.
If you aren’t familiar with Galliano L’Autentico, it is a sweet golden liqueur flavored with spices and herbs like anise and vanilla.
12. Buck’s Fizz Cocktail
Just like the mimosa, the Buck’s Fizz is a mix of champagne and orange juice. Both of these cocktails were created in the 1920s and both are delicious, but the difference is the ratio.
A mimosa has a mild blend of one part champagne and two parts OJ, but the Buck’s Fizz flips that ratio.
With two parts champagne and one part orange juice, it is definitely the stronger concoction.
So if you want that mimosa flavor with a more intense alcohol punch, this is the one for you.
13. Easy White Sangria
You can give the autumn cocktail a summer twist with peach schnapps, white wine, and OJ.
I certainly can’t say no to a glass of sangria, but I admit this version is brighter and fits the summer vibe perfectly.
Think of white sangria as the tropical cousin to the classic sangria. You will use a mix of peach schnapps, white wine, orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and fruit slices to make it happen.
14. Cantarito
This might not be the most popular cocktail on the list, but please don’t count it out. The Cantarito mixes tequila with lemon juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grapefruit soda.
Basically, you have the trifecta of citrus fruits combining to make one epic drink.
It is refreshing, bright, and delicious, and it serves as the perfect reminder that citrus does wonders for tequila.
15. Madras
Think of the Madras as a mash-up between the cranberry-infused Cape Codder and the orange-flavored Screwdriver.
It is a mix of orange juice, vodka, and cranberry juice that had its time in the limelight back in the 1980s. It was the most popularly ordered drink back then, especially by the ladies.
It might not be as widely known today, but it still has that same delicious flavor. The combination of tart cranberry and zesty orange is undeniably terrific.
16. Tequila Sunset
Let’s bring back a delectable cocktail from the 1970s, okay? Because winding down with a glass of tequila sunset after a busy workday sounds pretty good to me.
The tequila sunset has the same makings as the sunrise version but with a blackberry brandy twist. If you mix it the right way, you get a beautiful contrast of colors that reminds you of a sunset.
17. Rum Sunset Cocktail
The rum sunset cocktail is another orange-flavored mix that is perfect for capping off your evening or getting the party started.
It is a simple three-ingredient recipe, but the complex flavors might surprise you.
You get citrus taste from the orange juice, sweetness from Grenadine, and a unique flavor from the spiced rum. I am sure you will find that vibrant hue extra appealing, too.
18. Blood and Sand
I’ll be honest that blood and sand isn’t the most appetizing name for a cocktail. But regardless, this one is a must-try.
It is a mix of equal parts whisky, sweet vermouth, orange juice (the sand), and cherry brandy (the blood).
Many people appreciate the smokey and sweet flavor profile created by the cherry brandy and whisky, while others can’t stand it.
You should give this polarizing cocktail a try and see what you think.
19. Ward 8
Let’s revisit an age-old cocktail that definitely doesn’t disappoint.
The Ward 8 is a winning combination of grenadine, orange juice, and rye whiskey that was created to honor the 1898 election victory of political leader Martin M. Lomasney.
It might not be as in demand as it was back in the day, but it is still a favorite among whiskey aficionados.
20. Aperol Orange Juice Cocktail
Aperol is an Italian aperitif with flavors of other botanicals and rhubarb. The bright orange hue is a clear indication that it pairs wonderfully with orange juice.
When you combine it with ginger, sparkling white wine (Prosecco), and freshly squeezed OJ, it makes a refreshing cocktail with a harmony of flavors.
It is sweet but not overly sweet because the warmth of the ginger and bitterness of the Aperol complement the tanginess of the orange.
21. Orange Shandy Satsuma Cocktail
If you aren’t a fan of raw beer flavor, you will appreciate this orange shandy satsuma cocktail. If you are unfamiliar, a shandy is any combination of soda or juice and beer.
It mellows down the bitter beer flavors and makes it friendlier for your sweet tooth.
For this one, you combine orange juice and beer and give it an extra punch with satsuma orange liqueur. Delicious and refreshing doesn’t even begin to cover it.
