Orange Blossom Cocktail Recipe
Orange Blossom Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0.5g
Carbohydrates:17g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Orange Blossom cocktail dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States. It was a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a refreshing and fruity drink while avoiding the harsh taste of the illegal alcohol available at the time. The cocktail has since become a classic, enjoyed by many for its sweet and citrusy flavors.
- Originated during Prohibition
- Popular choice for a fruity and refreshing drink
- A classic cocktail enjoyed by many
How Orange Blossom Tastes?
The Orange Blossom cocktail has a sweet and citrusy taste, with a hint of floral notes. The combination of orange juice and gin creates a refreshing and light flavor, while the addition of simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.
Interesting facts about Orange Blossom
- The Orange Blossom is named after the fragrant flowers of the orange tree
- It was a popular choice during Prohibition as it masked the taste of low-quality alcohol
- The cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Orange Blossom Special'
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Orange slice: 1
- Grenadine: Optional
A few good options for Orange Blossom are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
Gin brings a botanical complexity to the cocktail, often with hints of juniper, coriander, and citrus peel. 2oz is the sweet spot for balancing the strength of the alcohol with the sweetness and tartness of the other ingredients. Less gin might make the drink too sweet, while more gin could overpower the delicate orange flavor.
Alex Green
Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice is key for a vibrant, fresh taste. 2oz gives a perfect harmony of citrus without being too tart or turning the drink into a boozy orangeade. Without it, you'd lose the 'orange' in 'Orange Blossom'. Alternatives like grapefruit juice might bring a tarter profile, while lemon juice will make it more sour.
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is all about balance, adding sweetness to play against the gin's dryness and acid from the orange juice. At 0.5oz, it's just enough to smoothen out the flavors without turning the cocktail into a sugar bomb. Skip it, and your Orange Blossom may be too sharp. Swapping with honey could add a floral note, but will change the texture.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
Ice serves to chill and slightly dilute the cocktail, making the flavors meld smoothly together. No ice means a warm and potentially too-strong drink. However, too much melting can water down the flavors, so always use cold, fresh ice and shake briskly!
Alex Green
Orange Slice
It's not just a pretty face, the orange slice garnish adds an aromatic element as you go in for a sip and it looks gorgeous. It's a small touch that makes it feel complete.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
Optional, but a dash of grenadine can add a sweet, syrupy depth and a sunset hue. Too much can be cloying and dominate the delicate balance, so use sparingly.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Orange Blossom Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add gin, orange juice, and simple syrup to the shaker
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Optionally, add a dash of grenadine for a touch of color and sweetness
- Garnish with an orange slice
Pro Tips
- Use fresh orange juice for a more vibrant flavor
- Chill your glass in advance for a cooler cocktail
- Add a dash of grenadine for a touch of color and sweetness
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Bruschetta: The crispness and acidity of the Orange Blossom can cut through the rich tomato and basil-topped bread.
- Shrimp Cocktail: The citrus notes of the drink will complement the seafood flavors.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken: The orange juice in the cocktail pairs nicely with the char on a piece of grilled chicken.
- Light Pasta Dishes: Something like a lemon-garlic pasta would go well with the fresh, citrusy notes of the cocktail.
Desserts
- Fruit Tarts: The sweetness of the cocktail will be heightened by the tartness of fresh fruit.
- Almond Cake: The nuttiness of the cake can provide a pleasant contrast to the fruity drink.
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What you could change in Orange Blossom
- Vodka can be used instead of gin for a different flavor profile
- Lemon juice can be used instead of orange juice for a more tart cocktail
- Agave nectar can be used instead of simple syrup for a more natural sweetness
Explore all drinks starting with O here
And of course - twists🍹
Herbal Orange Blossom
- Swap gin for a rosemary-infused gin
- Add a sprig of rosemary
The rosemary will give the drink a more herbal and aromatic character, creating a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the orange and grenadine.
Spicy Orange Blossom
- Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients
- Use honey instead of simple syrup
The jalapeño will add a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness, and the honey will bring in a subtle floral note alongside a different texture.
Tropical Orange Blossom
- Swap orange juice for pineapple juice
- Add a dash of coconut cream
This variation takes you to the tropics with the sweetness of the pineapple pairing beautifully with the coconut's creaminess while still maintaining a refreshing zest.
In case you forgot basics how to make Orange Blossom
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Orange Blossom
Are there any variations of the Orange Blossom cocktail?
Yes, there are several variations of the Orange Blossom cocktail, some include adding a splash of club soda for a fizzy twist or a dash of bitters for a slightly bitter undertone. Another variation is to use blood oranges for a richer, deeper flavor.
What's the best type of gin to use for the Orange Blossom?
A dry gin is typically used in the Orange Blossom cocktail because it pairs well with the sweet and fruity flavors of the drink. However, ultimately, the best gin to use is one that you enjoy the taste of.
What type of glass is best for serving the Orange Blossom cocktail?
The Orange Blossom cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled coupe or martini glass. However, it can also be served in a rocks or highball glass with ice.
What is the alcohol content of the Orange Blossom cocktail?
The exact alcohol content can vary depending on the brands of alcohol used. However, with the specified amounts of gin and orange juice, the cocktail's alcohol content is roughly around 14%, which is considered standard for cocktails.
Does the Orange Blossom cocktail pair well with any specific kind of food?
The Orange Blossom cocktail's sweet and citrusy flavor profile pairs well with spicy foods, fried foods, or seafood. It's also a great choice for brunch given its fresh and fruity notes.
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