Orange Ginger Beer Smash Cocktail Recipe

I’m all about simple cocktails that actually taste fresh and don’t demand a ton of effort. The Orange Ginger Beer Smash? That’s one I keep coming back to—it’s got that hit of citrus and spice that just works, no matter what time it is.

You’re basically mixing orange juice, ginger beer, and a splash of your favorite spirit for something crisp and, honestly, pretty refreshing.

No need for any fancy gear or weird ingredients here. Just a few basics, and you can throw it together in five minutes flat. It still manages to look and taste like you put in way more work than you did.

I’ll break down the steps so you can whip one up at home without stressing over technique.

There’s something about how the ginger beer brings this sharp, spicy kick, while the orange juice keeps it all bright and super easy to drink. It works for laid-back nights, but it’s also interesting enough to serve when you want to offer something a little different.

Orange Ginger Beer Smash Cocktail Recipe

I really like how this drink balances the heat from the ginger beer with that fresh citrus vibe. The combo of herbs, juice, and spirits keeps it refreshing, but it’s got enough punch that I don’t feel like I’m sipping just another basic cocktail.

Equipment

I keep my setup as simple as possible—less cleanup, more time to actually enjoy the drink. A solid shaker helps blend everything, and a muddler is perfect for getting the most out of the herbs and fruit.

A strainer’s handy too, so you don’t end up chewing on mint leaves.

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Bar spoon
• Rocks glass or short tumbler
• Small knife and cutting board
• Ice cube tray or a bag of ice

Ingredients

Fresh citrus and herbs really do make a difference. Blood orange juice is my top pick—it’s a bit sweeter and deeper than regular orange juice. Ginger beer brings in the spice and bubbles, and you can swap out spirits depending on your mood.

• 2 oz vodka or bourbon
• 3 oz ginger beer
• 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, if you want it sweeter)
• 4–5 fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Orange wedge or mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

I usually start by muddling the herbs and juice, just enough to blend the flavors. Then I shake it up with ice to get it nice and cold, top it with ginger beer for that fizz, and pour it over fresh ice.

• Toss the mint leaves and blood orange juice into your shaker.
• Muddle gently—don’t go overboard, just enough to get those mint oils out.
• Add your vodka or bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice, shake it for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Top with ginger beer and give it a quick stir with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with an orange wedge or a mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

If I’m in the mood for something lighter and more about the citrus, I’ll go with vodka. Bourbon makes it warmer and a bit richer—really nice when it’s chilly out.

I always try to use fresh-squeezed blood orange juice. The flavor is just better, honestly. If I can’t find blood oranges, I’ll use regular ones, but it’s not quite the same.

Mint is classic here, but if you want to switch it up, basil gives a subtle peppery kick. Tweak the sweetness with simple syrup depending on your ginger beer—some are already pretty sweet.

Crushed ice melts way too fast for me, so I stick with big cubes. It keeps the drink cold but doesn’t water it down as quickly.

Tasting Notes

So, right away, the first sip hits with this bright citrus thing from the orange. It’s fresh and a little sweet, but honestly, it doesn’t weigh you down.

The ginger beer? That’s where the crisp bite comes in—it really balances out the fruit. You get that little zing, but it’s not too much.

After each sip, there’s this ginger spice that just kind of hangs out on my tongue. It’s warm, sharp, but not in-your-face. That kick? It makes the drink a bit more fun, honestly.

There’s also this light herbal note sneaking in from the muddled stuff. Gives the cocktail a kind of earthy, fresh vibe. I think that’s what keeps it from getting cloying.

Texture-wise, it’s smooth, with a gentle fizz that’s actually pretty satisfying. Those bubbles just lift everything, you know? Makes the whole thing feel extra refreshing.

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Citrus: bright, sweet, and tangy
• Spice: sharp ginger warmth
• Herbal: fresh, earthy undertones
• Fizz: crisp and refreshing

If I take my time and sip it slowly, the flavors seem to stretch out a bit more. Orange jumps out first, ginger comes in next, and then the herbs kind of wrap things up with this clean finish.