Orange juice is an essential element to any well-stocked bar, there’s no question about that. Without it, you can’t make a screwdriver, a mimosa, or even a tequila sunrise. Orange is a versatile fruit flavor and the more drinks you mix up, the more you’ll realize the importance of both the juice and the many orange liqueurs used in the bar.
The Key to the Best OJ Cocktails
If you want the best orange juice cocktails possible, squeeze the juice yourself. Many fruit and citrus juicers are available to fit any need, and oranges are inexpensive year-round, so you really can’t go wrong.
On the other hand, the reality is that you’re not always going to take the time to squeeze fresh orange juice. In a world filled with convenience, there are some great bottles of orange juice available. In this case, do your best to choose an all-natural, not-from-concentrate juice.
Either way, keep in mind that your choice of orange juice should not be an afterthought. Any of the cocktails that rely on this ingredient will taste better with a quality juice.
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Bocce Ball
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Adrian Murgea/Getty Images
The screwdriver is one of the iconic orange juice cocktails. It is the ultimate brunch drink, unbelievably easy to mix up, and has inspired many other drinks, including the bocce ball. This delightful drink is just as refreshing, adding a little amaretto to the mix for a sweet almond background.
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Harvey Wallbanger
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
A retro drink from the 1970s, the Harvey Wallbanger is a whole lot of fun. It also plays off the screwdriver, but the key to this simple highball is a float of Galliano L’Autentico, an herbal liqueur dominated by vanilla and anise flavors. Use it to practice your layering skills and switch to tequila for a Freddy
