Frothy, fresh and sweet, the Orange Creamsicle is a satisfying thirst quencher on those hot summer days.
Despite my age, I’m basically just a big kid. My nephew, who is about to turn nine, looked me square in the eye once and said “You’re not like a grownup, it’s weird.” I never really outgrew or lost interest in the things that made me happy throughout my childhood and teenage years. It can be a movie, cartoon, book, song, food… anything that stirred my senses tended to stick around for the long haul. The demise of Suzy-Q’s snack cakes still puts a lump in my throat…
When summer starts to roll in, with the days getting longer and the sun burning hotter, I get really excited for one of my favorite indulgences… Creamsicles! A heavenly mix of orange and vanilla flavor, these delicious and creamy popsicles don’t last long in my house. I’ll admit it too, I can eat a whole box of these in one sitting. In fact, anything orange and cream flavored draws me to it like a magnet. Some years back at the Vista Movie Theatre here in Los Angeles, a specialty ice cream shop called Supercool appeared. They made everything fresh, on the spot with nitro, and literally created and froze your ice cream in front of you through a cool haze of vapor. I would keep going back for the same thing… an orange and vanilla ice cream soda float. It tasted just like my favorite popsicle, and I couldn’t get enough.
And who was the genius that dreamed this timeless creation up? In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson had accidentally left a stirring stick in his mixture of powdered lemonade soda and water overnight during a winter in Oakland, California. What he discovered the next morning was essentially the very first popsicle. This happy accident was responsible for the invention of one the most beloved frozen treats amongst children of all ages, and Epperson officially patented his “frozen ice on a stick” in 1923. The story of its creation is still printed on Popsicle brand dessert packages to this day.
But we’re not here to eat Creamsicles, we’re here to mix up a few adult beverages. So why all the talk about these orange and cream flavored snacks? Because of the cocktail we’re making tonight… the Orange Creamsicle. This has fast become another favorite tipple of mine. I’ve always been a sucker for the frothy, cream-like flavors of an Orange Julius, and this drink has a similar texture while keeping the flavors of the classic frozen goodie. The nice, smooth bite of the vanilla vodka reminds us that grownups can still be big kids when the summertime rolls around.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use in an Orange Creamsicle Drink?
Choosing the right spirits for your Orange Creamsicle cocktail will positively influence the flavor you’re going for. A good mid-to-top shelf vanilla vodka along with a nice bottle of triple sec, will start the creamy and orange-tinged party. These notes get enhanced by the addition of the orange juice and half-and-half, which also helps give the drink its smooth, foamy quality.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1 ounce vanilla-flavored vodka
- 1 ounce half-and-half
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes to fill halfway.
- Pour in the orange juice, vanilla-flavored vodka, half-and-half, and triple sec.
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a slice of orange on the rim of the glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Orange Creamsicle Drink.
Nutrition
What kind of glass and garnish is used?
Pop a rocks glass into your freezer for at least fifteen or twenty minutes before you pour your Orange Creamsicle into it, serving it straight up. Garnish the rim with an orange slice for a little extra citrus zip.
Can you add whipped cream to an Orange Creamsicle?
Of course you can! You can even make your cocktail a little boozier by using whipped cream vodka.
Similar Cocktails to the Orange Creamsicle
Whether the weather is cold or hot, you always love a sweeter-tasting and refreshing cocktail. Maybe something that leans more in the direction of a dessert as opposed to a digestif. Twist & Toast has some delicious and easy-to-master recipes that’ll satisfy that sweet tooth of yours. And these decadent delights also bring that extra oomph that only a strong, boozy base spirit can provide. Try these out and enjoy!
- Frozen Mudslide – A sundae for grown-ups, with enough Kahlúa, Baileys and vodka to kick you down a mountain… figuratively, of course.
- Chocolate Pina Colada – Rum and chocolate create a masterful and rich beverage.
- Chocolate Martini – Make your next sweet treat a classy-looking affair with the Chocolate Martini.
- Bushwacker – This creamy and coconutty flavored cocktail packs a strong tropical punch.
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