Orange Blossom Special Drink recipe

Get ready to impress your guests with the refreshing and zesty Orange Blossom Special drink recipe. This delicious concoction combines 2oz Bourbon, 1/2oz Cointreau, and 1oz fresh Orange Juice, with a twist of Lemon peel garnish. Mix it up with a shaker and serve in a rocks glass for an unforgettable experience. Don't settle for anything less than the best, make it fresh with a manual or automatic juicer. Perfect for beginner bartenders who want to elevate their mixology skills.

Orange Blossom Special Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz Orange juice
• - peel, Lemon
• garnish Lemon

Orange Blossom Special Equipment

Orange Blossom Special Recipe

Recommend: serve in Rocks glass

The Orange Blossom Special: A Classic Cocktail that Never Goes Out of Style

As a professional bartender, I have seen countless cocktail recipes come and go. But one drink that has truly stood the test of time is the Orange Blossom Special. This classic cocktail has been popular for over a century, and for good reason. It's simple, refreshing, and has a great balance of flavors. In this article, I'll give you a brief history of the Orange Blossom Special, go over its ingredients and garnish, discuss some variations, and point out some common mistakes to avoid when making this cocktail.

Popularity

The Orange Blossom Special is a cocktail that has been around since the early 20th century. It's said to have originated in the United States, and was likely named after the famous train that ran from New York to Miami. The drink became quite popular during the Prohibition era, as it was a way to mask the taste of bootleg liquor.

Today, the Orange Blossom Special remains a popular choice at bars and restaurants around the world. It's famous for its bright orange color and citrusy flavor, and is often served in a rocks glass with a lemon peel garnish.

Ingredients

The Orange Blossom Special is a simple cocktail that only requires a few ingredients. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make one:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz Orange juice
• Lemon peel, for garnish

The key to making a great Orange Blossom Special is to use high-quality ingredients. For the bourbon, I recommend using a brand like Maker's Mark or Bulleit. For the orange juice, fresh-squeezed is always best, but if you don't have a juicer, you can use store-bought orange juice as well.

How to Garnish

The garnish for an Orange Blossom Special is simple yet elegant. All you need is a lemon peel. To make the peel, use a vegetable peeler to remove a thin strip of lemon zest from the fruit. Be sure to avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter. To garnish the drink, simply twist the lemon peel over the surface of the cocktail to release the oils, and then drop it into the glass.

Variations

The Orange Blossom Special is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations you might want to try:

• Virgin/mocktail version: Simply omit the bourbon and increase the amount of orange juice to 3 oz.
• Gluten-free version: The Orange Blossom Special is naturally gluten-free, but if you're looking for a gluten-free Cointreau substitute, try using Triple Sec instead.
• Vegan version: The Orange Blossom Special is already vegan, but if you want to switch up the ingredients, try using agave nectar instead of Cointreau.
• Keto version: To make a keto-friendly Orange Blossom Special, use a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol instead of Cointreau.
• Low-calorie version: To make a lower calorie version of the Orange Blossom Special, reduce the amount of bourbon to 1 oz and increase the amount of orange juice to 2 oz. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener instead of Cointreau.
• More variations: Some other variations you might want to try include using grapefruit juice instead of orange juice, adding a splash of grenadine for a sweeter drink, or swapping out the bourbon for gin or vodka.

Common Mistakes when Making

While the Orange Blossom Special is a relatively simple cocktail to make, there are a few common mistakes that people often make. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Using low-quality ingredients: As I mentioned earlier, using high-quality ingredients is key to making a great Orange Blossom Special. Don't skimp on the bourbon or orange juice, as it will affect the overall flavor of the drink.
• Over-mixing the ingredients: When shaking the cocktail, be sure not to overdo it. You want to mix the ingredients just enough to chill them and combine the flavors, but not so much that the drink becomes watered down.
• Not using a strainer: When pouring the cocktail into the glass, be sure to use a strainer to remove any ice shards or fruit pulp. This will give the drink a smoother texture and prevent any unwanted bits from getting into your mouth.
• Forgetting the garnish: While the garnish may seem like a small detail, it can really elevate the presentation of the drink. Don't forget to add that lemon twist!

In conclusion, the Orange Blossom Special is a classic cocktail that deserves a place in every bartender's repertoire. With its bright orange color, citrusy flavor, and simple ingredients, it's a drink that's sure to please. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some of the variations I've suggested, I hope you enjoy this timeless cocktail. Cheers!

If you are going to order Orange Blossom Special in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Orange Blossom Special can be served with different ingredients in different places.