Looking for a refreshing spring drink? The Orange Blossom Refresh Cocktail brings together sweet citrus and a hint of floral in a way that just feels right for the season.
This simple recipe only needs four ingredients, and you can throw it together in less than five minutes.
The cocktail gets its name from orange blossom water, which gives off a subtle floral aroma that really plays well with fresh orange juice.
It’s a solid pick for both daytime gatherings and just winding down in the evening, honestly.
Home mixologists seem to love this drink since it’s balanced without being fussy—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find stuff required.
Plus, that bright orange color? Kinda irresistible for social media shots.
Orange Blossom Refresh Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1½ oz vodka
- ½ oz orange blossom water
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- Club soda to top
- Orange slice for garnish
- Ice cubes
The orange juice matters a lot here. Always go for fresh rather than store-bought if you can swing it—it really makes a difference.
Instructions
- Prepare your glass: Fill a highball glass with ice. Set it aside.
- Mix the cocktail: Add vodka, orange juice, orange blossom water, simple syrup, and lemon juice into your cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously: Pop on the lid and shake hard for 15–20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels chilly.
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a strainer into your prepared glass.
- Top with soda: Add club soda until the glass is nearly full—leave a little space at the top.
- Garnish: Hook an orange slice on the rim.
- Stir gently: Give it a quick stir with a bar spoon so everything’s mixed.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Orange Blossom Refresh cocktail leans bright and citrusy, with those subtle floral notes in the background.
Fresh orange juice brings a natural sweetness that balances nicely with the gin’s botanicals (if you go that route).
First sip? You get that crisp gin hit, then sweet-tart orange. The honey (if you use it) adds a smooth, gentle sweetness but doesn’t take over.
Elderflower liqueur, if you go for it, brings delicate floral hints that play off the orange blossom water. It’s an aromatic combo that stands out.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary:Â Fresh orange, juniper
- Secondary:Â Floral, honey
- Finish:Â Clean, a little sweet, gentle botanicals
Club soda adds a nice fizz that keeps things light. Ice keeps it cold, which honestly is half the battle for balance.
This cocktail feels right in spring or summer. The citrus makes it a natural for brunch or lazy afternoons.
That orange slice isn’t just for looks—it actually boosts the aroma when you take a sip.
Seriously, serve it ice-cold. The flavors just pop more that way.
Substitute
You can make this cocktail with different ingredients if you don’t have everything on hand. Here are some easy swaps:
Spirits:
- Vodka instead of gin
- White rum instead of gin
Citrus Options:
- Lemon juice instead of orange juice
- Bottled orange juice instead of fresh-squeezed
Sweeteners:
- Simple syrup instead of honey
- Agave nectar instead of honey
- White sugar instead of honey
Garnishes:
- Orange slices instead of orange peel
- Lemon peel instead of orange peel
- Mint leaves for a fresh twist
If you don’t have fresh oranges, store-bought orange juice works too. Honestly, it’ll taste a little different than the original, but sometimes convenience wins.
For a non-alcoholic version, just swap the gin for tonic water. Or go with sparkling water if you want something lighter—both work and the result is still pretty refreshing.
