An Orange Creamsicle Cocktail brings together creamy vanilla sweetness and the punchy brightness of orange. This recipe shows you how to mix a drink that tastes just like that classic ice cream treat, only with a grown-up twist.

It’s perfect for relaxing on a warm day or serving at parties. Sometimes I even enjoy it as a dessert cocktail—why not?

I put this recipe together to be simple and quick. No fancy tools, no rare ingredients, just good stuff.

If you’re into that creamsicle nostalgia and want an easy way to impress your friends, you’ll probably love this drink.

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail Recipe

For me, this cocktail is all about the smooth vanilla and orange combo. It’s creamy and refreshing, and honestly, it’s not complicated at all.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill everything fast.
Jigger: Makes measuring a breeze and keeps the flavors balanced.

Strainer: Helps me pour the drink without letting the ice slip in.
Highball or rocks glass: I like these for plenty of room for ice and the cocktail.
Bar spoon: Handy for stirring or layering if you’re feeling fancy.

Ice: Good ice matters—it chills and thins the drink just right.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka plain or whipped cream flavored—depends how sweet I’m feeling
2 oz orange juice freshly squeezed is best, but I’ve used store-bought in a pinch

1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream this is what gives it that dreamy look and taste
1/2 oz simple syrup I add this sometimes if I want it sweeter

Orange slice or cherry for garnish totally optional, but it looks nice

Instructions

Fill up your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
Pour in the vodka, orange juice, triple sec, half-and-half, and simple syrup.

Pop the lid on and shake hard for around 20 seconds, until it feels cold in your hands.
Strain it into a highball or rocks glass loaded with fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange slice or cherry if you want to make it look extra fun.

Serve right away while it’s cold and creamy.

Notes

I always go for freshly squeezed orange juice when I can—it just tastes brighter. If I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half, the drink turns out richer, almost dessert-like.

Sometimes I skip the simple syrup if the orange juice is already sweet enough. If I’m in the mood for more vanilla, I’ll swap in vanilla vodka too.

I shake everything really well with ice. That way, the cream blends in and doesn’t separate in the glass (nobody wants a weird layer on top).

For a lighter version, I’ll use low-fat milk, but it’s definitely not as rich or creamy. Still tasty, though!

Tasting Notes

First sip, and the creamy texture hits right away. It’s smooth and light—not heavy at all, which is nice.

The orange flavor comes through first, kind of like orange soda or sherbet. It’s sweet, but not overwhelming or sour.

Then there’s this gentle vanilla note. Not too much. The vanilla and orange just sort of melt together, and suddenly I’m thinking about those frozen treats from when I was a kid.

Best enjoyed cold: I always think this cocktail tastes best over ice. The chill ties everything together and keeps it super refreshing.

The sweetness is just right—not cloying, not bland. And honestly, I barely notice the alcohol, so it goes down pretty easy.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have every single ingredient for an Orange Creamsicle Cocktail. Here are a few swaps I’ve tried and liked:

Equipment

I’ll grab a regular mason jar if a cocktail shaker’s missing in action.

Honestly, any sturdy glass will do if I don’t have a highball glass handy.

Ingredients

Vanilla vodka: I use regular vodka with a drop of vanilla extract. It’s not perfect, but it works.
Orange soda: Sometimes I mix orange juice with club soda, or just use lemon-lime soda instead.

Cream: Half-and-half or even whole milk gives a decent creamy vibe if I’m out of cream.
Triple sec: No triple sec? I’ll add orange juice or whatever orange liqueur I have around.

Instructions

I’ll mix vodka and vanilla extract when vanilla vodka’s missing from my shelf.

Out of orange soda? I combine orange juice and club soda, or just go all-in on orange juice for a juicier kick.
If I’m low on cream, I just pour in half-and-half or milk. It’s close enough for me.
No triple sec? I’ll either leave it out or bump up the orange juice a bit.

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail Recipe