Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Vodka and citrus fruits have always been a famous combination in every large party or beach summer getaway. Citrus fruits have sweet natural flavors that can balance the bitterness of alcohol in vodka. As one of the main citrus fruits, orange leaves a balanced sweet and bitter fresh note to spirits.
In this article, you’ll know which orange-flavored vodka brands are best to have either on the rocks or in cocktails.
Top 10 Orange Flavored Vodkas
1. Grey Goose L’Orange
Grey Goose is a top-shelf brand, famously known for sourcing all of its raw materials and processing them all in France. However, the natural fruity essence that gives this expression’s bright and strong flavor came from Florida, making this orange vodka an exception to the company’s faithful all-French production.
Grey Goose L’Orange maintains the quality of the original vodka, which came from distilled premium French wheat and natural spring water. Opening a bottle of this vodka has an intense sweet welcoming aroma of citrus, with a bold taste that mirrors the zest flavor of the fruit.
2. Veil Orange Vodka
This flavored vodka uses a base liquor distilled five times and charcoal-filtered to obtain the purity and smoothness of the drink. It has a smooth texture with a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness on the palate that almost masks the biting finish of the alcohol.
This vodka is cheaper than most premium spirits, and you can throw it in a combination of triple sec, cranberry, and freshly-squeezed lemon juice for a refreshing beach cocktail.
3. New Amsterdam Orange Vodka
One of the two flavors that New Amsterdam vodka launched in May 2014, this orange vodka is made from the finest grains before adding a natural flavor. It has a mouthfeel of fresh citrusy notes that leads to a mild tangerine finish.
Its smooth palate goes well with vanilla ice cream, making delightful creamsicles. Or you can fill up a pitcher and combine it with lime juice and a splash of simple syrup to create a refreshing citrus drink.
4. Smirnoff Orange
This orange vodka of Smirnoff went through three distillations and filtered ten times to ensure the purity and smoothness of the spirit. Then, the makers later infused it with a blend of six varietals of oranges, including plump Cara Cara Navel Oranges and Royal Mandarins.
The nose bursts with a fresh and fruity aroma of navel oranges, while the palate has a rich and natural fruit sweetness. It has a clean and crisp, refreshing finish without the burning aftertaste of alcohol. Like most Smirnoff products, it’s gluten-free and affordable, a perfect choice for beach parties or large gatherings as a spirits mixer.
5. Absolut Mandarin
Twenty years after the official launch of Absolut Vodka, the company released Absolut Mandrin in 1999 as its fourth flavored vodka expression. It is a versatile gluten-free refreshing vodka that mixes well with club soda, ginger ale, or cranberry juice.
It enters the mouth with complex flavors of oranges and alcohol, but it will become moderately mellow and creamy in the middle. The citrusy notes are more intense in the nose than on the palate, and it finishes with a touch of floral essence smoothly.
6. Effen Blood Orange Vodka
Effen Blood Orange vodka, bottled at 75 proof of alcohol, is one of the richest among orange-flavored spirits/varieties. The premium wheat from Holland and natural spring water went through reverse osmosis filtration five times, then another five for the active carbon filtration.
Effen vodka uses Tarocco oranges extract to achieve a balance of sweet and tart flavors while finishing drily. This vodka’s incredible and refreshing character makes it a good companion on a summer beach getaway.
7. Deep Eddy Orange Vodka
Deep Eddy is a locally made vodka from Texas, distilling spring water and sweet corn ten times. It also uses a charcoal filtration process to achieve pure spirits without a burning taste. This flavored vodka is a cross between a lemon soda and orange juice.
It contains the sweetness of sugar and corn, more evident in the middle taste. The fruity essence of this orange vodka is more tangerine than navel oranges, so mixing it with orange juice will result in an extra tangy citrus flavor.
8. Ketel One Oranje
Ketel One is another giant company that the Nolet Family established in 1691. The distillery only uses non-GMO (genetically modified foods) grains in making their spirits and infuses them with natural flavors to achieve the best quality.
After that process, they infused this flavored vodka with Valencia oranges and Italian Mandarins essential oils, resulting in wildflower notes.
The palate has a bright and fresh fruity flavor of tangerines that slowly builds up after a few more sips of the spirit. It has a long and warm finish, best enjoyed on the rocks while on the beach.
Read: Top Vodka Brands For Jello Shots
9. Hangar One Mandarin Blossom
Hangar One made their original vodka spirits with American wheat that went through an intense distillation process in small quantities.
After the makers experimented on California’s mandarin tree flowers, they discovered the ingredient that gives a satisfying citrus flavor to their flavored spirits.
This flavored spirit has a strong taste of real fruit and the aroma of an intense citrusy blossom. It has a clean and smooth finish, with no unpleasant aftertaste, and drinking it straight is always the first choice for many enthusiasts.
10. 3 Howls Blood Orange Vodka
3 Howls Distillery used state-of-the-art fermentation stainless steel tanks and distilled their spirits in a 300-gallon copper still. Their flavored vodka variety achieves its unique profile by vapor-infusion, then right after, the makers will blend special spices for more complexity.
The result is a perfect combination of bitterness from grapefruit and sweetness from real blood oranges into a single flavored vodka. This orange vodka compliments many all-time favorite beach cocktails with its bright and slightly spicy flavors.
The World Beverage Competition in Switzerland awarded its unique profile with the Gold Tasting Award in 2015 [1].
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Popular Orange Flavored Vodka Cocktail Recipes
Crushed Orange
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of orange vodka
- 2 ounces of freshly-squeezed orange juice
- 1-ounce triple sec
- 3 ounces of lemon-lime soda
- one slice of orange
Instructions:
Put the freshly-squeezed juice into a pint glass filled with crushed ice. Combine the rest of the recipes into a single mix. Stir or shake the drink to blend the ingredients. Garnish with a slice of orange, then serve.
Serving: 1
Halloween Bloody Orange Cocktail
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1-ounce triple sec
- 1 cup sparkling water
- one blood orange
- one rosemary twig
Instructions:
Start by slicing the blood orange fruit into two. Squeeze the first half of its juice, then slice the other half into round slices. Place one slice of blood orange into the bottom of the glass before putting crushed ice. Pour the rest of the recipes into the mix. Garnish the top with a rosemary twig. Enjoy.
Serving: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What mixes well with orange vodka?
Orange vodkas are very versatile and refreshing that it mixes well with almost anything. The most popular mixers are triple sec, orange juice, and ginger beer. A splash of sweet vanilla can balance the citrus flavors of orange vodkas.
Why is vodka orange juice called a screwdriver?
People call the combination of vodkas and orange juice a screwdriver because it is the tool used to stir the drink decades ago. Oil workers secretly add vodka to their orange juice, but due to the lack of a spoon, they use the screwdriver instead [2].
What is a good orange vodka?
Several brands offer high-quality orange-flavored vodka, and the choice ultimately depends on personal taste preferences. One popular and well-regarded orange vodka is “Ketel One Oranje.” Ketel One is known for its premium quality, and their Oranje variant combines the smoothness of their vodka with natural orange essence. Another notable option is “Stoli Ohranj” from Stolichnaya, which is praised for its authentic orange flavor and versatility in cocktails. Absolut also produces an orange-flavored vodka called “Absolut Mandrin,” known for its vibrant citrus taste.
What mixes well with orange vodka?
Orange vodka pairs well with a variety of mixers, creating refreshing and flavorful cocktails. Some popular mixers for orange vodka include:
Citrus Juices: Orange vodka can be enhanced with fresh orange juice, grapefruit juice, or a splash of lemon or lime juice for added acidity.
Sodas: Lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or club soda can provide effervescence and a crisp finish to orange vodka cocktails.
Cranberry Juice: Mixing orange vodka with cranberry juice creates a vibrant and fruity combination.
Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur: Combining orange vodka with triple sec or orange liqueur intensifies the orange flavor and adds complexity.
Iced Tea: Orange vodka can be blended with iced tea for a refreshing and slightly sweetened beverage.
Cocktail Bitters: Adding a few dashes of citrus or aromatic bitters can enhance the depth of flavor in orange vodka cocktails.
Experimenting with these mixers allows for the creation of a diverse range of cocktails, from citrusy spritzers to fruity highballs.
What is the name of the orange vodka?
One example of orange-flavored vodka is “Ketel One Oranje,” produced by Ketel One. This particular variant infuses the smoothness of Ketel One vodka with natural orange essence, creating a well-balanced and flavorful spirit. It’s important to note that various brands produce orange-flavored vodkas, each with its unique characteristics and taste profile. Other brands offering orange vodka include Stolichnaya with “Stoli Ohranj” and Absolut with “Absolut Mandrin.”
Which flavored vodka is good?
Determining the “best” flavored vodka is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Some popular and well-received flavored vodkas include:
Grey Goose La Vanille: Known for its smooth vanilla flavor, Grey Goose La Vanille adds a touch of sweetness to cocktails.
Belvedere Lemon Tea: Combining the essence of black tea, honey, ginger, and lemon, this flavored vodka offers a complex and refreshing profile.
Cîroc Red Berry: Infused with a blend of raspberries and strawberries, Cîroc Red Berry brings a burst of fruity goodness to cocktails.
Tito’s Handmade Peach Vodka: Tito’s Handmade Vodka offers a peach-flavored variant known for its natural and authentic peach taste.
Smirnoff Green Apple: Smirnoff’s Green Apple vodka delivers a crisp and tart apple flavor, ideal for various mixed drinks.
What are the top 3 vodkas?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, three well-regarded vodka brands known for their quality and popularity include:
Belvedere Vodka: Produced in Poland, Belvedere is renowned for its smooth and clean taste, made from 100% Polska rye.
Grey Goose Vodka: Hailing from France, Grey Goose is celebrated for its premium quality and is crafted using high-quality French wheat.
Absolut Vodka: Originating from Sweden, Absolut is recognized for its versatility and purity, made from winter wheat and water sourced from a deep well in Åhus.
Keep in mind that the perception of the “top” vodkas may vary based on personal preferences and regional popularity.
What brands make orange vodka?
Several vodka brands produce orange-flavored variants. Some notable brands that offer orange vodka include:
Ketel One: Known for “Ketel One Oranje,” which infuses their premium vodka with natural orange essence.
Stolichnaya (Stoli): Produces “Stoli Ohranj,” an orange-flavored vodka praised for its authentic orange taste.
Absolut: Offers “Absolut Mandrin,” an orange-flavored vodka known for its vibrant citrus flavor.
Skyy Vodka: Produces “Skyy Infusions Blood Orange,” a flavored vodka with a bold and tangy blood orange profile.
Smirnoff: Offers various flavored vodkas, including “Smirnoff Orange,” providing a zesty and citrusy taste.
When choosing an orange vodka, exploring different brands allows for the discovery of unique and enjoyable orange-infused spirits.
How do you drink orange-flavored vodka?
Drinking orange-flavored vodka offers a variety of options to enjoy its vibrant and citrusy profile. Here are some popular ways to drink orange-flavored vodka:
Neat or On the Rocks: Sipping orange-flavored vodka neat or over ice allows you to appreciate the nuances of the citrus flavor without additional mixers.
Orange Vodka Martini: Create a classic martini by mixing orange-flavored vodka with a splash of dry vermouth. Garnish with an orange twist for a sophisticated touch.
Citrus Spritz: Mix orange vodka with soda water or tonic for a refreshing and effervescent citrus spritz. Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
Orange Crush: Combine orange-flavored vodka with orange juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda for a vibrant and fruity Orange Crush cocktail.
Orange Cosmo: Put a citrusy spin on the classic Cosmopolitan by using orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime juice.
Experimenting with different cocktails and mixers allows you to find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences.
What not to mix with vodka?
While personal preferences play a significant role in mixing vodka, some combinations may not be as harmonious or popular. Here are a few things to consider avoiding when mixing vodka:
Highly Sugary Mixers: Excessive sugary mixers can mask the flavor of vodka and contribute to a cloying taste. Consider moderation when using sweetened sodas, fruit juices, or sugary syrups.
Overpowering Flavors: Avoid using mixers with overpowering flavors that may overshadow the subtleties of vodka. This includes strongly flavored herbal or spicy elements.
Poor-Quality Mixers: Using low-quality or expired mixers can negatively impact the overall taste of the cocktail. Opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Too Many Ingredients: Overcomplicating a cocktail with too many ingredients can lead to a muddled and confused flavor profile. Aim for balance and simplicity in your vodka mixes.
How do you drink Smirnoff orange vodka?
Smirnoff Orange vodka offers a burst of citrus flavor, and there are several ways to enjoy it:
Orange Fizz: Mix Smirnoff Orange vodka with club soda or lemon-lime soda over ice. Garnish with an orange slice for a refreshing and simple drink.
Citrus Sunrise: Combine Smirnoff Orange vodka with orange juice and a splash of grenadine. The layered colors create a visually appealing cocktail.
Orange Crush: Mix Smirnoff Orange vodka with equal parts orange juice and lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice for a bubbly and citrusy Orange Crush cocktail.
Screwdriver with a Twist: Put a citrus twist on the classic Screwdriver by using Smirnoff Orange vodka with orange juice. Adjust the vodka-to-juice ratio based on your preference.
Orange Martini: Shake Smirnoff Orange vodka with triple sec and a splash of fresh orange juice. Strain into a chilled martini glass for a citrus-infused martini experience.
What is the most popular orange liqueur?
One of the most popular and widely used orange liqueurs is Cointreau. Cointreau is a triple sec liqueur with a balanced and versatile orange flavor.
It is known for its clear and crystal-like appearance and is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Margarita and the Cosmopolitan. Grand Marnier is another popular orange liqueur, known for its blend of cognac and orange flavor.
Both Cointreau and Grand Marnier are esteemed for their quality and contribute to the complexity of various cocktails.
What is a good citrus vodka?
Several vodka brands offer quality citrus-infused options. One popular choice is Absolut Citron, known for its clean and zesty lemon flavor.
Another option is Ketel One Citroen, which combines the smoothness of Ketel One vodka with the essence of lemons and limes.
Skyy Infusions Citrus is praised for its vibrant and natural citrus notes, making it a versatile choice for mixing. Experimenting with these citrus vodkas in various cocktails allows you to discover your preferred combination of flavors.
Is there orange vodka?
Yes, orange-flavored vodka is a popular and widely available option. Various vodka brands produce orange-infused variants that capture the essence of oranges. Examples include Ketel One Oranje, Stoli Ohranj, and Absolut Mandrin.
These orange vodkas can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails or mixed with complementary flavors to create refreshing and citrus-forward drinks. The infusion of natural orange flavors adds a vibrant and aromatic dimension to the vodka, enhancing its versatility in mixology.
Final Thoughts
One of the most common mixers that many people reach out for to combine with vodka is orange. Vodka is the most versatile drink among other spirits because it is colorless, and mixing it with other beverages has become common worldwide.
Fortunately, vodka companies have discovered the natural infusions of fruity flavor into their spirits over the years. The most common source for this flavored vodka is navel oranges, considered one of the world’s best tasting citrus fruits.
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