Orangeade cocktail in highball glass, served with traditional garnish

Cocktail

Orangeade

Orangeade is a refreshing cocktail that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh orange juice with a splash of sparkling water or soda, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and fizz. Often enhanced with a hint of citrus liqueur or a dash of grenadine, this drink is perfect for warm days and social gatherings, offering a bright and invigorating sip. Garnished with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint, Orangeade is both visually appealing and deliciously thirst-quenching.

  • refreshing
  • tangy
  • fruity
  • bubbly
Willow
By WillowSeasonal & Winter Cocktails ExpertPublished Reviewed
Prep Time
5 min
Glass
Highball glass
Difficulty
Easy
Yields
1 serving
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Few cocktail recipes deliver refreshing and tangy quite like the Orangeade. Ready in about 5 minutes. If you've searched for "brunch", this is the recipe to bookmark.

Ingredients

Serves
1 serving
Glass
Highball glass
Prep
5 min
  • 5 clLemon juice
  • 15 clOrange juice
  • 2-3 clSugar syrup
  • Soda water

Method

Preparation

  1. 01

    Place some ice cubes in a large tumbler or highball glass, add lemon juice, orange juice, sugar syrup, and stir well. Top up with cold soda water, serve with a drinking straw.

Origin

History & Origins

Orangeade is a non-alcoholic or lightly alcoholic citrus beverage with roots in European refreshment culture, where it became popular in the 18th century. This drink represents the intersection of formal hospitality and casual refreshment, often served at social gatherings.

Bartender’s Insight

Pro Tips

Prioritize fresh orange juice quality

From Willow

  • balance sweetness with fresh lemon juice

  • add a pinch of salt to enhance citrus flavors

  • serve over crushed ice

  • consider adding sparkling water for lightness

At the Table

Perfect Pairings

Summer afternoon tea service
Fruit tarts
Light sandwiches
Lemon cookies
Cheese board

Beyond the Classic

Variations

Sparkling Orangeade

Uses sparkling water instead of still water for effervescence

Herbed Orangeade

Incorporates fresh mint or basil for herbal complexity

Spiced Orangeade

Adds clove or cinnamon for warming spice notes

Questions

Frequently Asked

Orangeade Cocktail Recipe | Hero Cocktails | Hero Cocktails