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Orange Crush with Tequila Recipe

Orange Crush with Tequila Recipe

By What’s Baking

A vibrant, tangy cocktail that combines freshly squeezed orange juice, smooth tequila, and a fizzy splash of soda for a refreshing citrus experience with a spirited kick.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A tall, slender highball glass filled with a vibrant orange-hued cocktail, ice cubes glistening under warm bar lighting. Condensation beads on the glass exterior catch golden highlights, while a juicy orange wheel and lime wedge rest on the rim. The drink shows a beautiful gradient from deep amber at the bottom to a lighter orange-yellow near the top, with tiny bubbles rising through the liquid. A salted partial rim catches the light, with droplets from freshly squeezed citrus visible on the glass surface. The cocktail sits on a rustic wooden bar top with blurred bottles of premium tequila in the background.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml silver tequila (blanco)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml triple sec (or Cointreau)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml soda water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp agave nectar (optional, for added sweetness)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange wheel and lime wedge for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt for rimming (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball or Collins glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker (optional)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>If desired, prepare the glass by running a lime wedge around half the rim and dipping it into salt. This creates a nice contrast to the sweet-tart flavors of the cocktail but remains optional based on preference.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your highball or Collins glass with ice cubes, preferably larger cubes that will melt more slowly and prevent over-dilution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Squeeze your oranges fresh for optimal flavor—bottled juice simply won't deliver the same bright, vibrant taste. Add 120ml of freshly squeezed orange juice to the glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour 60ml of silver tequila into the glass. Blanco tequila works best here as its clean profile complements the citrus without overwhelming it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add 15ml of fresh lime juice—this balances the sweetness of the orange juice and adds complexity to the cocktail's flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Pour in 15ml of triple sec to enhance the orange flavors and add depth. The orange liqueur bridges the gap between the fresh juice and the tequila.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add 1 teaspoon of agave nectar and stir well to incorporate. This natural sweetener pairs beautifully with tequila, as both come from the agave plant.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon to properly integrate all ingredients while preserving the vibrant clarity of the cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Top with 60ml of soda water, adding effervescence and lightness. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to maintain carbonation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Garnish with an orange wheel and lime wedge, which not only enhances presentation but also adds aromatic citrus oils to each sip when squeezed lightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is cold and the bubbles are still lively. The cocktail should appear bright orange with a slight gradient effect from the soda water mixing with the juice.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 345 calories
🥑 Fat: 14 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 8 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 52 g
🍭 Sugar: 38 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 120 mg
🧂 Sodium: 220 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What type of tequila works best in a citrus-based cocktail like this?

Blanco (silver) tequila is ideal for citrus cocktails as its clean, unaged profile complements orange and lime without overpowering them. The spirit's natural vegetal and pepper notes create a beautiful contrast with the bright citrus flavours while maintaining balance and freshness.

Can I batch this tequila orange cocktail for a party?

Yes! Multiply the base ingredients (tequila, orange juice, lime juice, triple sec) and refrigerate. When serving, pour portions over ice and top each with fresh soda water. Add garnishes individually. Wait to add the carbonated element until serving to maintain the bubbles.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this refreshing orange cocktail?

Absolutely! Create a virgin "Orange Crush" by replacing tequila and triple sec with additional fresh orange juice, a splash of lime juice, soda water, and 15-20ml of non-alcoholic bitters or orange flower water for complexity. The result is equally refreshing without the alcohol content.

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