Oranges. They’ve gone rogue—jumping out of your morning juice glass and diving straight into your liquor cabinet. Today, we’re shaking things up as we unpeel the best-selling orange-flavored spirits and liqueurs in the U.S., complete with tips on how to best use ’em in your cocktails. Spoiler: Jameson Orange is crashing this citrus party!
Why History Loves Orange
Orange liqueurs and spirits didn’t just fall out of a tree. Nope, they’ve been adding zesty character to drinks for generations.
America’s Top-Selling Orange Spirits
Brand | Best Use |
---|---|
Cointreau | Margaritas and Cosmopolitans |
Grand Marnier | Classy Cocktails and Desserts |
Curacao | Tropical and Exotic Drinks |
Aperol | Aperol Spritz and Brunch Cocktails |
Jameson Orange | Whiskey Sours and Old Fashioneds |
Unsung Citrus Stars
Let’s not forget about the indies of the orange world. You know, those lesser-known gems?
- Arancello: It’s what your Italian summer vacation would taste like.
- Mandarin Napoleon: An orange liqueur with a Napoleon complex—in the best way.
Rolling in the Recipes
Ready to get those cocktail shakers bouncing? Hold onto your jiggers!
- Cosmo A La Orange
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Cointreau
- A splash of cranberry juice
Shake, pour, smile.
- The Jameson O-Joy
- 2 oz Jameson Orange
- 1 oz Lemon juice
- A dash of simple syrup
Combine in a shaker with ice, give it a whirl, and strain into a glass.
Expert Hacks
- Sweet vs. Sour: Too sweet? Add some bitters.
- DIY Time: Mix your own ratios; there’s no right or wrong.
- Fresh Matters: Freshly squeezed orange juice is the secret sauce.
In a Nutshell
So, there you have it—a citrus parade of the top orange spirits and liqueurs in the U.S., and how to let them shine in your cocktails. From vintage heroes like Grand Marnier to modern sensations like Jameson Orange, it’s a spectrum of flavors just waiting to jazz up your glass.
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