Orange Juice

Fresh orange juice brings natural sweetness, vitamin C, and bright citrus flavor to countless cocktails, from simple screwdrivers to complex tiki creations. The balance of sweetness and acidity in orange juice makes it one of the most versatile cocktail mixers, enhancing spirits while providing body and natural fruit character that artificial mixers cannot replicate.

The key to great orange juice cocktails lies in using fresh-squeezed juice whenever possible. Fresh orange juice contains natural oils, pulp, and flavor compounds that create superior taste and mouthfeel compared to packaged alternatives. The brightness and complexity of fresh juice elevates simple cocktails like the screwdriver into restaurant-quality drinks.

Classic orange juice cocktails span multiple spirit categories and occasions. The mimosa combines orange juice with champagne for elegant brunch cocktails, while the screwdriver showcases how orange juice enhances vodka's neutral character. The tequila sunrise demonstrates orange juice's compatibility with agave spirits and grenadine layering techniques.

Different orange varieties offer unique flavor profiles for cocktail creation. Valencia oranges provide classic sweet-tart balance, while blood oranges add color and slightly different flavor notes. Navel oranges offer pure sweetness, perfect for cocktails where minimal acidity is desired.

For best results, juice oranges just before making cocktails to preserve maximum flavor and vitamin content. Fresh orange juice keeps refrigerated for 2-3 days but loses quality quickly. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size with smooth, bright-colored skin. Room temperature oranges yield more juice than cold ones.