Orange Blossom cocktail
In keeping with the theme of May flowers, try an Orange Blossom.
This cocktail is similar to a Screwdriver, which is made with vodka and sans sugar. A few recipes I’ve seen replace the gin with vodka, but that would be very wrong. Others add cointreau, but this isn’t really needed. Many modern recipes only increase the amount of orange juice, but the proportions below make for a well-balanced blend.
The Orange Blossom cocktail dates back as far as the early 1960s and appears in the 1964 edition of Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender’s Guide. The original proportions call for a mere ounce of gin and orange juice and only 1/4 of a teaspoon of the powdered sugar. I upped the portions in keeping with today’s larger portions.
What you’ll need: Gin, Orange Juice, Powdered Sugar
In a shaker over cracked ice, pour in 2 ounces of gin and 2 1/2 ounces of orange juice (fresh is a plus). Add in a teaspoon of powdered sugar. Shake vigorously and then strain into a cocktail glass. Optionally, garnish with a slice of orange or an actual orange blossom!
How I like it: This is a rather simple cocktail to whip up, and this is the recipe I use. In a pinch, you can use granulated sugar but keep in mind that it won’t dissolve as easily. Together with last week’s Cherry Blossom, this cocktail is perfect for a balmy Spring day or serving up at a garden party.
Drink responsibly!