Miss Allie's Kitchen

Whole & Healthy Home Cooking

Venison Everyday Cookbook

Buy Now

Buy Now

The Best Orange Crush Recipe

This is the best Orange Crush Recipe because it uses fresh orange juice, orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, and orange-flavored sparkling water. It’s not too sweet and it’s really fresh.

an orange crush in a clear tall glass

A couple of years ago, I discovered the Orange Crush cocktail. Which I quickly found to be the most delicious cocktail and the most perfect drink for summer. We’ve been down to Maryland and Delaware a good bit this year and it’s been my drink of choice this summer. My husband Jared and I wanted to combine our favorite variations to make the best Orange Crush recipe ever.

Summer cocktails are perfect for hot weather, providing refreshing and often fruity flavors. While this orange crush is the ultimate warm weather beverage (made with simple ingredients), we also love sipping this Grapefruit Thyme Rosemary Fizz Cocktail, Fresh Jalapeno Margarita Recipe, and this Rosé Spritzer Cocktail. We’ve been making this Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup on repeat all summer, it is perfect for cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. If you are looking for a non-alcoholic cold drink to sip on a hot summer day, try my Healthy Frozen Mango Margarita Mocktail or my Blackberry Mockarita.

pouring orange juice into a copper cocktail shaker with oranges in the background

INGREDIENTS & KITCHEN TOOLS

Fresh squeezed orange juice (I recommend Navel, Cara Cara, Mandarin or Valencia oranges)

Orange vodka (I like the Absolute Mandarin)

Triple sec

Orange or tangerine flavored sparkling water or club soda

Ice cubes (You can use cubes or crushed ice)

Optional: Orange wedges (for a garnish)

Kitchen Tools:

All you need for this cocktail is a shaker and measuring cup. Also, cute glasses to serve your cocktail up in.

pouring vodka into a copper cocktail shaker with oranges in the background

STEP BY STEP

Step 1: Add the orange juice, orange vodka and triple sec to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 10 seconds. 

Step 2: Pour into a glass with ice and top with orange sparkling water and garnish with orange slice. Stir and enjoy!

shaking a copper cocktail shaker with oranges and flowers in the background
pouring an orange crush in a clear tall glass

TIPS AND TRICKS

  • The fresh orange juice really matters. And, it’s better if you use a juicer. Squeezing oranges by hand just doesn’t do the trick. I got this little guy for $20 and it’s been great. Do not attempt to use orange juice from a carton. Just don’t give in.
  • You also gotta do the orange-flavored vodka. I was trying to be all cute and unflavored, plain vodka blah blah blah…NOPE. Doesn’t work. Grand Marnier, Cointreau, and the orange bitters are too powerful, just stick to the orange-flavored vodka and the bit of triple sec.
  • Shaking the cocktail in a shaker really helps things. Ice does wonders for cocktails.
  • The orange sparkling water makes the drink perfect because you get a hint of orange flavor and you don’t get all the sweetness of the Sprite, which I can’t do too much of.

OTHER COCKTAIL RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

There you have it, folks! The perfect orange crush recipe! Check out my for another great, light cocktail.

Print
an orange crush in a clear tall glass

The Best Orange Crush Recipe

This is the best Orange Crush Recipe because it uses fresh orange juice, orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, and orange-flavored sparkling water. It’s not too sweet and it’s really fresh.

  • Author: Miss AK
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Cocktail Shaker
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 14 reviews
Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 oz. orange vodka (I like the Absolute Mandarin)
  • 1 oz. triple sec
  • about 4 oz. orange or tangerine flavored sparkling water or club soda

Instructions

  1. Add the orange juice, orange vodka and triple sec to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 10 seconds. 
  2. Pour into a glass with ice and top with the orange sparkling water. Stir and enjoy!

Notes

The fresh orange juice really matters. And, it’s better if you use a juicer. Squeezing oranges by hand just doesn’t do the trick. I got this little guy for $20 and it’s been great. Do not attempt to use orange juice from a carton. Just don’t give in.

Grapefruit Thyme Rosemary Fizz Cocktail

You’ll love this light and fresh grapefruit cocktail that’s infused with rosemary and thyme and topped with soda water or seltzer. Try it with vodka or tequila.

grapefruit cocktail with a grapefruit slice, a shaker cap, herbs on a white background

I have a few rules when it comes to cocktails. They have to be light and refreshing, they have to use fresh ingredients, and they can’t be too sweet.

When the weather warms up, I really love a little something to brighten up brunch or cocktail hour. This fizzy cocktail is JUST the thing. It uses fresh grapefruit, fresh thyme AND fresh rosemary which creates the perfect marriage of flavors.

I asked my readers on Instagram to vote on a cocktail to feature on the blog and herbs + grapefruit were a hot request. So, my friends, cheers!

pouring a grapefruit cocktail with a grapefruit slice, a shaker cap, herbs on a white background

What booze to choose?

I’ve tested this recipe with both vodka and tequila – both are divine. Pick whichever one your heart desires.

What gives it a touch of sweetness?

Agave nectar is my favorite sweetener for cocktails. It’s less thick than honey and I like the flavor it adds to whatever you’re making. Pick up a bottle the next time you’re at the store!

What makes it fizzy?

Top this cocktail with club soda or your favorite seltzer. Grapefruit La Croix is a personal favorite of mine. Use more club/seltzer if you like a lighter drink.

muddling a grapefruit cocktail with a grapefruit slice, a shaker cap, herbs on a white background

How to do infuse the herb flavors?

The first few times I was testing this out, the flavors from the rosemary and thyme just weren’t strong enough. So, I decided that we needed to make a quick flavored syrup to mix with the alcohol and club/seltzer.

The grapefruit juice, agave, and herbs simmer in a pot with the lid on for 10 minutes to let the flavors release and meld. All you need to do is chill the syrup before making the cocktail.

grapefruit cocktail with a grapefruit slice, a shaker cap, herbs on a white background
FeedFeed Print
grapefruit cocktail with a grapefruit slice, a shaker cap, herbs on a white background

Grapefruit Thyme Rosemary Fizz

You’ll love this light and fresh grapefruit cocktail that’s infused with rosemary and thyme and topped with soda water or seltzer. Try it with vodka or tequila.

  • Author: Miss AK
  • Yield: about 6 cocktails 1x
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review
Scale

Ingredients

For the grapefruit herb syrup:

  • 1 and 2/3 cups fresh grapefruit juice* (about 4 grapefruits, juiced)
  • 2/3 cup agave nectar
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped, fresh rosemary
  • 3 tsp. chopped, fresh thyme 

For the cocktail

  • 2 oz. grapefruit herb syrup, chilled
  • 1.5 – 2 oz. vodka 
  • about 4 oz. grapefruit seltzer or club soda, chilled

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine all of the ingredients for the grapefruit herb syrup.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cover. 
  3. Bring the syrup to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, keeping it covered the entire time. 
  4. Transfer the syrup to a glass jar with a lid, and chill in the fridge until cold. 
  5. To make the cocktail, in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake together the syrup and vodka. 
  6. Pour into a glass and top with chilled seltzer or club soda. You can serve up or over ice. 

Notes

*if you’re short on time or making this for a crowd, you can sub store bought grapejuice. Be sure to get 100% juice.

To make a pitcher that serves 6:

  • 1 batch of the grapefruit herb syrup, chilled
  • 1 cup vodka 
  • 3 cups grapefruit seltzer or club soda, chilled

Cranberry Orange Mule

This festive yuletide Cranberry Orange Mule comes together with healthier cranberry orange syrup, ginger beer and of course vodka!

These festive yuletide Cranberry Orange Yule Mules come together with healthier cranberry orange syrup, ginger beer and of course vodka!

OK, I’ve got to admit it. Twist my arm and I’ll tell you – I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN this Holiday/Christmas season creating recipes for you all. And I’m shocked that that is actually a true statement. When I was planning for my first Christmas as a blogger, I hit full panic mode.

cranberry orange moscow mules in copper mugs

I started making my gift list in October, recipes were planned, emails were schemed up and I was turning my world upside down trying to figure out how I was going to create thoughtful & useful content for you, work full time, give my attention to my family, sell pies & pastries, attend every gathering and still have time to hug my sweet JMan.

You know what I did? I cut the crap & got real with myself for the first time in a long time. I stopped obsessing over my gift list, made decisions, and ordered everything online early. In reality, the reason behind the season has nothing to do with gifts, anyway. So why obsess? Wanna know what else? I decided to pass up on a few extra bucks and put aside the idea to sell my pies and pastries. Crazy right? Who turns down easy money during the holidays? You’re looking at her (well, you’re looking at a picture of me above, haha).

As much as we all sayyy that we’ll take time to rejoice in our families and the gifts the Lord has given us, the reality is, we tend to get caught up in the fuss. I certainly do.

cranberry orange moscow mules in copper mugs

Not everyone likes to unwind with a drink now and then, but I do. Moscow Mules are one of my all time favorite cocktails, and I wanted to do a festive & simple twist. The cran-orange syrup is made with minimal sweetener – I used maple syrup. Hey gift idea- whip up a few batches of syrup & pair it with some ginger beer & vodka in a basket! Voila!

Let’s put a little jingle in your next family mingle. Looking for more cozy cocktail? Check out my Apple Cider Bourbon Smash! 

 

If you love Christmas as much as I do, do yourself a favor, sister, and download my FREE Healthy Cookie Cookbook. You’re going to love it!

Print

Cranberry Orange Yule Mule

These festive yuletide Cranberry Orange Yule Mules come together with healthier cranberry orange syrup, ginger beer and of course vodka!

  • Author: Miss AK
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 - 12oz. cocktail 1x
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review
Scale

Ingredients

For The Cran-Orange Syrup:

  • 12 oz. water
  • 1.5 cups fresh cranberries (I’m sure frozen would work, too)
  • 2 Tbsp. of fresh orange juice
  • 1 Tbsp. of maple syrup

For the Mule:

  • 2 shots (3 oz.) of Cran-Orange Syrup
  • 1 shot (1.5-2oz.) vodka
  • 8 0z. ginger beer
  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 small handful of fresh cranberries
  • ice
  • optional – rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by adding the cranberries, water, orange juice & maple syrup into a saucepan on high.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and let this reduce for about 15 mins.
  3. Strain this into a mason jar or container.
  4. Once done, place in the fridge or freezer for a bit until it is cool.
  5. Place an orange slice and a handful of fresh cranberries into the bottom of a copper mug or glass. Muddle these by pressing down on the fruit so it bursts and releases extra flavor.
  6. Fill mug with ice, add the syrup and vodka. Mix well.
  7. Top the glass with ginger beer.
  8. Stir again, and top with more fresh cranberries, orange, and rosemary, if desired. Cheers!

Print

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Ingredients

 

 

Never Miss a recipe

Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a new recipe at MAK!

As Seen On

2022 © Miss Allie’s Kitchen

Site Credits