Gin And Orange

A Gin and Orange is a simple built cocktail, meaning you mix it directly in the glass rather than shaking or stirring in a separate vessel like a mixing glass. Just gin, fresh orange juice, and ice in a rocks glass. No fuss, no frills – it’s an easy drink that never goes out of style.

Gin and orange juice. Think clean, bright, juicy, and citrusy. First, there’s the botanical complexity of the gin, followed by the natural sweetness and slight tang of fresh orange juice. Not too sweet, not too sharp – perfectly balanced.

Like the Gin and Tonic, the exact history of the Gin and Orange is unclear. However, gin and citrus have been natural partners since gin first rose to prominence in Britain in the 17th century. In fact, sailors have consumed gin and citrus combinations for roughly 200 to 250 years.

The Gin and Orange is closely related to the iconic Screwdriver – the legendary vodka and orange juice cocktail that became a staple of 20th century cocktail culture. While the Screwdriver is widely credited as the more famous of the two, the pairing of spirits with orange juice almost certainly predates it, with gin being the spirit of choice long before vodka found its way into Western cocktail culture.

• Use fresh orange juice
  If there’s only one tip you follow when you make a Gin and Orange, make it this – use fresh orange juice. The natural sweetness and depth of freshly squeezed orange juice elevates this drink far beyond anything you’ll get from a carton. Use a blender, citrus press or juicer – however you do it, fresh juice makes all the difference.
• Choose your gin wisely
  A classic London Dry gin works beautifully in a Gin and Orange, but a more floral or citrus-forward gin adds an interesting extra dimension.
• Don’t over-ice
  Fill the rocks glass with a generous handful of ice cubes enough to keep things cold without diluting the drink too quickly.
• Keep it in proportion
  The ratio of gin to orange juice matters – too much juice and you lose the gin, too little and it becomes overpowering. Play around with it until you find the sweet spot for your palate.

• Screwdriver
  One of the simplest and best vodka drinks around – it’s like a Gin and Orange but with vodka instead of gin. And it’s perfect. Check out the recipe for a Screwdriver cocktail.
• Sparkling Gin and Orange
  Top with a splash of soda water or tonic for extra fizz and a lighter finish.
• Gin and Blood Orange
  Swap regular orange juice for blood orange juice when in season for a richer, more intense flavor and a stunning deep red color.
• Virgin Gin and Orange
  Replace the gin with a premium alcohol-free botanical spirit such as Beefeater 0.0.

• We recommend serving a Gin and Orange in a rocks glass or old fashioned glass over ice cubes.
• An orange wedge on the rim is the perfect garnish – simple, fresh, and it reinforces the citrus flavors in the glass.
• For a more elegant touch, garnish with a twist of orange zest.
• Pair a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to enhance the botanicals in the gin.
• For large gatherings, make a batched Gin and Orange by combining gin and orange juice together in a large pitcher and let guests pour over ice – it makes hosting effortless.