If you're a fan of fresh-squeezed juice, then you're going to love the taste of these fresh Florida orange cocktails. Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and there's no better way to enjoy its bright rays than by making some delicious drinks with Florida oranges.
Oranges are a seasonal citrus fruit abundant in Florida from October through June.
If you're a fan of fresh-squeezed juice, then you're going to love the taste of these fresh Florida orange cocktails. Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and there's no better way to enjoy its bright rays than by making some delicious drinks with Florida oranges.
Oranges are a seasonal citrus fruit abundant in Florida from October through June. They are juicy and fragrant with a sweet, tangy flavor that's perfect for cocktails.
In Florida, citrus production is closely tied to the state's history and oranges are an important element of the state’s identity. Florida oranges have an interesting pedigree dating back to the 16th century. They were first introduced to ‘La Florida’ by Spanish explorers in the 1500s, who both named and claimed the region for the Spanish crown. Legend says it was Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish conquistador, who first planted orange trees during his infamous search for the Fountain of Youth.
Following the introduction of citrus to Florida, farmers planted the fruit across the state, eventually turning small portside operations into a large-scale commercial industry. Today, most of the fresh orange juice that Americans consume is grown and bottled in Florida.
We've got the best cocktail recipes featuring fresh Florida oranges—and they couldn't be more perfect for the season. We're talking about punches, margaritas and even infusions made with Sunshine State citrus!
What do you get when you combine fresh Florida orange juice with Brother’s Bond Bourbon? A bold whiskey punch that serves up bright citrus flavors.
Brother’s Bond is a smooth, high-rye bourbon that makes a flavorful spirit base for this punch. The whiskey’s warm rye spice is balanced by the sweet juice in the punch mix to create a mouthwatering summertime sipping cocktail.
1 ½ ounces Brother’s Bond Bourbon
3 ounces punch mix*
2 ounces ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
*Punch Mix:
8 ounces Aperol Aperitivo
12 ounces Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
½ ounce aromatic bitters
For the punch mix: Add aperitivo, orange juice and bitters to a pitcher. Stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.
For the cocktail: Add bourbon and punch mix to a glass with ice. Stir to combine and strain into a fresh glass. Top with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and garnish with an orange twist.
For a saintly combination of fresh, home-grown flavors and local gin, shake together this citrusy cocktail from our Farm to Cocktail series. We explored the Sunshine State to source fresh farm ingredients and partner with some of Florida’s best bars and distilleries to craft original cocktails. The Saint Citrus is a combination of fresh orange juice and honey, from the Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, and St. Augustine Distillery's botanical gin. This Florida-based cocktail delivers both bright and refined flavors to sip on.
1 ½ ounces St. Augustine Gin
½ ounce lemon juice
½ ounce honey rosemary syrup*
½ ounce Pimm’s No. 1
1 ounce Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
*Honey Rosemary Syrup:
8 ounces water
1 cup honey
3-5 sprigs of rosemary
For the syrup: Add water to a small pot and bring to boil. Then add honey and rosemary. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and allow to cool until ready to use.
For the cocktail: Add gin, lemon juice, syrup, Pimm’s No.1 and orange juice to a shaker with ice. Shake to combine. Strain into glass over fresh ice and top with tonic water. Garnish with orange peel.
Watch our full Farm to Cocktail: Orange adventure:
This elevated aperitivo is a top-tier version of a gin and juice cocktail that is easy to make and wonderful to drink. The fresh orange juice - along with Aperol’s infusion of citrus, herbs and roots - creates a perfect complement to the 22 hand-forged botanicals used to distill The Botanist Islay Dry Gin.
½ ounce The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
1 ounce Aperol Aperitivo
4 ounces Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
Pour gin, aperitivo and orange juice into a glass over ice. Stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice.
Orange you ready for fresh, citrusy cocktails all summer long? With this fresh, orange-infused vodka, you’ll have unlimited options when it comes to mixing and shaking up refreshing drinks. The best part? You don't need any special equipment or extra ingredients—just grab some Florida oranges and a bottle of Tito’s.
1, 750mL bottle Tito’s Handmade Vodka
2 small Florida oranges
Slice oranges into wheels and add to a resealable jar. Fill with vodka and store in refrigerator for four days. Strain when infusion has released desired flavor. Use orange-infused vodka for your favorite cocktails.
For an island twist on a traditional bar cocktail, shake together this Floridian Fashioned that uses Bumbu XO Rum to create a luxury sipping cocktail for the summer. This dark Caribbean rum combines flavors of oak, vanilla and toffee which finishes with a zest of orange to serve as a bold spirit base to layer in additional flavors.
2 ounces Bumbu XO Rum
½ ounce orgeat syrup
½ ounce Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Add rum, syrup, orange juice and bitters to a shaker with ice. Stir to combine. Strain into glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange twist and cherries.
This citrus-forward margarita is great for sipping poolside or even to serve at your next summer soiree. Not only does the fresh citrus juice add a little sweetness and tanginess, but it also brings some complexity to the cocktail without overwhelming the premium sipping tequila.
2 ounces Siempre Plata Tequila
3 ounces Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
1 ounce amaretto
1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
Add tequila, orange juice, amaretto and lime juice to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with an orange wedge and lime wheel.
We’re taking it back to the 90s with this boozy version of a food court favorite. This cocktail is a creamy, citrusy treasure that you won’t need to wait in line for. Our take on this chilled concoction combines premium Chopin Vodka, Cointreau Liqueur and fresh orange juice shaken with half & half to create a delicious summertime treat.
1 ½ ounces Chopin Vodka
¾ ounce Cointreau Liqueur
2 ounces Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
1 ounce half & half
Combine vodka, liqueur, orange juice and half & half to a shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
Here’s a summer crush that doesn’t need to end! This drink is perfect for those who like their cocktails on the sweeter side. The fresh juices take center stage while the Jim Beam Orange Whiskey and soda water add fizz and flavor. This tart and tasty cocktail is perfect for any summer party, event or just backyard drinking.
1 ½ ounces Jim Beam Orange Whiskey
½ ounce Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
¾ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
½ ounce simple syrup
Mint sprig
Combine bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water. Gently stir. Garnish with an orange wedge and mint sprig.
Once you try this bourbon-based cocktail, you'll know why we call it a dream. The trio of juices shaken with Redwood’s rich bourbon creates an intriguing and flavorful cocktail. This drink will be the highlight of your seasonal get-togethers thanks to its taste and floral garnish.
2 ounces Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon
½ ounce Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
½ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
½ ounce pineapple juice
½ ounce simple syrup
½ ounce Caribbean pineapple liquor
2 dashes rhubarb bitters
Dehydrated citrus wheel
Micro-orchids
Combine bourbon, juices, simple syrup, liquor and bitters to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over a big ice. Garnish with dehydrated citrus wheel and micro-orchids.
From the moment you bite into a fresh Florida orange, you know that you're in for something special. And as soon as you taste it mixed with a spirit, you'll understand why we say these fresh Florida orange cocktails are the best for summertime sipping.
