I’m raising a glass to sunshine in a glass! I’ve gathered 21 of my absolute favorite orange juice cocktails, and they’re bright, zippy, and downright irresistible. Whether you need a bubbly brunch sipper or a slow sipper for sunset, I’ve got you covered with the tastiest citrus forward drinks around.
1. Orange Dreamsicle Cocktail
This cocktail will instantly transport you right back to chasing the ice cream truck and devouring a melty orange creamsicle on the sidewalk. It's sweet, creamy, impossibly fruity, and just purely addictive. Just be a little careful not to let the alcohol sneak up on you because this nostalgic throwback is definitely spiked with whipped cream vodka and is most certainly not kid friendly.
2. Buck's Fizz Cocktail
Just like the beloved mimosa, the Buck's Fizz is a cheerful marriage of orange juice and champagne, and both classics were born in the roaring 1920s. The only real difference between them comes down to the ratio. While a mimosa leans gently on the champagne, a Buck's Fizz flips the script and lets the bubbly take the starring role.
3. Tequila Sunset
Let’s bring back a groovy sipper from the 1970s, shall we? After a long, busy workday, I personally can’t think of anything more soothing than unwinding with a Tequila Sunset. It shares the same foundation as a Tequila Sunrise but adds a luscious blackberry brandy twist that changes everything.
4. Sex on the Beach
The name is obviously a total conversation starter, and pretty much everyone has heard of it, but do you actually know what goes into it? Let me break it down for you.
This seductive concoction brings together vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice, and a ribbon of Chambord. Beyond the taste, what makes it so memorable and stunning is that lovely two layer gradient of orange gold and deep red.
5. Blood and Sand
Okay, I'll be honest, the name "Blood and Sand" might not immediately make your stomach rumble with hunger. Still, this cocktail is an absolute must try. It's an equal parts blend of cherry brandy, which represents the "blood," plus whisky, sweet vermouth, and orange juice for the "sand." Many folks passionately adore the sweet and smoky flavor the whisky and cherry brandy create together, though some just can't get on board with it at all.
6. Cantarito
Don't let its low key profile fool you, this one is a total hidden gem on the list. The Cantarito mixes up tequila with lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, and a splash of grapefruit soda. Essentially, a trifecta of bright citrus fruits joins forces to create one epic and wildly refreshing drink.
7. Ward 8
I love revisiting a timeless classic that still absolutely holds up, and the Ward 8 does not disappoint. This winning combination of rye whiskey, orange juice, and grenadine was originally created back in 1898 to celebrate the election victory of political leader Martin M. Lomasney. It may not command the same spotlight it once did, but it remains a beloved favorite among true whiskey lovers.
8. Screwdriver
The screwdriver is one of those easy, budget friendly mixes that somehow ends up being one of the tastiest. Orange juice, vodka, and a tiny pinch of salt come together for a citrusy, refreshing drink that relaxes every muscle without draining your wallet. You might also wonder about the story behind that curious little name.
9. Orange Margarita
I’m calling it: the orange juice margarita beats the classic. I love a traditional tangy lime margarita with all my heart. But splash in some orange juice and it completely transforms, giving the drink a sweeter scent and an even more irresistible taste.
10. Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail
Let me introduce you to another 1970s icon: the Harvey Wallbanger. This one jazzes up the classic Screwdriver with a float of Galliano L’Autentico, a sweet, golden Italian liqueur infused with herbs and spices. The most prominent notes are vanilla and anise, which add a whole new level of cozy complexity.
11. Frozen Bahama Mama
From the playful name to the tropical look and incredible flavor, the Frozen Bahama Mama scores a perfect ten. How could you resist?
It sounds like pure fun, looks absolutely electric, and tastes like a dreamy island escape. This frosty mix swirls together dark rum, coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine, and it’s nothing short of a party.
12. Aperol Orange Juice Cocktail
Aperol is a stunning Italian aperitif laced with rhubarb and delicate botanicals, and its vivid orange color is a dead giveaway that it pairs beautifully with orange juice. Mixed with sparkling Prosecco, a touch of ginger, and freshly squeezed OJ, this cocktail is pure refreshment with a completely harmonious flavor that sings.
13. Blood Orange Cocktail
Playing with blood oranges in drinks is a total blast. Their deep, unique color gives any cocktail a mesmerizing, stop and stare kind of beauty.
This one gets an A+ for presentation, thanks entirely to those gorgeous blood orange slices. And the flavor?
Let’s just say stopping at one is next to impossible. I can’t even handle it.
14. Golden Dream Cocktail
A sip of the Golden Dream is exactly what we all need, right? The whimsical name pulls you in, and then the flavor hooks you completely.
This one is pure magic for anyone who thinks of cocktails as a delicious extension of dessert. Blending cream, orange juice, Galliano L’Autentico, and triple sec, it’s as creamy and dreamy as its name promises.
15. Orange Shandy Satsuma Cocktail
If you're not totally sold on the raw, bitter edge of beer, you are going to absolutely fall for this orange shandy satsuma cocktail. A shandy is simply a combination of beer and soda or juice, which softens those sharper hop notes and makes it friendly for a sweet tooth craving. Here, you'll marry beer and orange juice, then give it an amazing extra punch with satsuma orange liqueur.
16. Tequila Sunrise
The name alone gives me all the vacation vibes. Built on tequila, this beauty shows off three distinct layers of color that look exactly like a breathtaking morning sky. It’s every bit as delicious as it is stunning, and honestly, I can’t get enough.
17. Rum Sunset Cocktail
The Rum Sunset is another orange forward wonder that works beautifully for kicking off a lively gathering or gently capping off a quiet evening. It’s a simple three ingredient recipe, but the flavors are wonderfully complex and surprising. A pop of sweetness from grenadine meets a bright
18. Easy White Sangria
Give your classic autumn sangria a bright and breezy summer makeover with white wine, peach schnapps, and a generous pour of OJ. While I can never resist a glass of traditional sangria, I have to confess this version is so much lighter, brighter, and perfectly suited for sunny weather. Consider white sangria the tropical, laid back cousin of the classic red.
19. Mimosa
I’ve got to kick things off with the one and only brunch queen herself. A mimosa is just champagne and orange juice holding hands, the most perfect, effortless thing.
It’s crisp, gently sweet, and so simple it’s almost silly. Fun fact: real deal champagne comes only from grapes grown in France’s Champagne region.
20. Madras
Think of the Madras as the love child of the orangey screwdriver and a cranberry kissed Cape Codder, mixing vodka, OJ, and cranberry juice into one gorgeous drink. This cocktail totally owned the spotlight back in the 1980s and was the most ordered drink on the scene, especially among the ladies. It might have stepped back from the limelight a bit since then, but its flavor is still exactly as delicious as ever.
21. Garibaldi
Another beautifully simple two ingredient wonder for your next cocktail hour. The Garibaldi comes from Italy, matching Campari, a complex bitter, with fresh orange juice. I love how the sweet and bitter notes team up to create a perfectly balanced flavor that dances on your tongue.