A boozy, Orange Julius-like cocktail, the Orange Dreamsicle combines vodka, orange, and whipped cream for a stirringly good time.
If you were born before 2000 and ever stepped foot in an American mall, you must remember the Orange Julius. One sip of this adult version, the Orange Dreamsicle, will take your taste buds down memory lane. If you don’t remember the popular mall fruit juice stand, you likely have enjoyed a creamsicle ice cream pop on a summer day at some point in your life. Either way, the boozy, fruity Orange Dreamsicle was inspired by the classic flavor combination of orange and sweet cream, and it is so DELICIOUS!
My favorite part of life since relocating to the suburbs from Manhattan is having the space to host get-togethers. And I know my friends appreciate it just as much, especially in the summer. Unfortunately for me, I am sitting by a fire writing this in winter; mentally though, I am enjoying an Orange Dreamsicle and splashing around in the pool. I actually made this for the first time after introducing my kids to creamsicles. I wanted a refreshing, fun, tipsy dessert to sip on as I worked the grill and to offer our summer visitors.
I am normally a Piña Colada girl. It is my go-to, along with a chunky, sweet lobster roll when I go to a beach bar, and I make them up at home all summer long. I would even order Virgin Piña Coladas to get a coconutty fix when I was pregnant. However, they are very filling and take time to make; then there’s gulping the drink down so it doesn’t separate. Anyway! This is why I love the Orange Dreamsicle. It is basically a Screwdriver Cocktail with vanilla vodka, topped with a quick spray of whipped cream. It is ready quickly and not as filling as the usual fruity, summer cocktails.
Is The (Orange) Juice Worth The Squeeze?
Normally, I insist on freshly squeezed juice when making cocktails. The taste is superior, and there is no added sugar. However, with the Orange Dreamsicle, I use bottled orange juice that is free of pulp and added sugar. This cocktail is best without pulp, so if you do squeeze fresh oranges, you will have to strain it. Also, we imagine making this on a hot day. Who needs the extra work? To make this cocktail we pop the OJ, vodka, and ice in the blender for a quick whizz which makes a nice, frothy cocktail. You can also achieve a similar consistency with a few strong shakes in a martini shaker for a chill cocktail without having to break out the blender.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In An Orange Dreamsicle?
When it comes to flavored vodka, I love Stolichnaya. Their Stoli Vanil (or Vanilla) Vodka is smooth, with more of a sweet vanilla taste than its competitors, perfectly blending with the orange juice in the Orange Dreamsicle. With a price ranging between $15 to $20, it won’t break the bank. Another option is Grey Goose Vanilla, but since we mix the vodka with strong flavors, I do not think it is worth the splurge.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 ounces vanilla-flavored vodka
- 1/2 cup orange juice strained
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add the ice cubes, vodka, and orange juice to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended cocktail into a glass.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with an orange slice. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
What Glassware And Garnish To Use?
Your Orange Dreamsicle is best served in a mason jar mug, with a handle so your hand doesn’t freeze, and a wide mouth for easy guzzling.
What Else Can I Mix Vanilla Vodka With?
Vanilla vodka is delish with soda—either cola or ginger ale. Another fruity option is to swap out the OJ in this recipe for pineapple juice, so sweet!
Similar Drinks To The Orange Dreamsicle
Lately, I have loved cocktails that are reminiscent of a tasty treat or kick up fond memories. I’ve also found that having a specialty cocktail when you are hosting, whether it is a birthday bash, simple Sunday football, or small dinner party, always elevates a gathering. So when you make a fun cocktail with a familiar flavor, like our Orange Dreamsicle, it’s sure to be a smash hit. Here are some of my favorite playful cocktails from Twist & Toast you have to try.
- Gummy Bear Shot – Nothing screams nostalgia like gummy bears.
- Pink Starburst Shot – Perfect for a girls’ night out or a bachelorette party.
- Virgin Miami Vice – Nothing is better to cool down with than a combo of Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada sans alcohol.
- Orange Crush – If you love the refreshing flavor of orange but are not into the creaminess of the Dreamsicle, go for this adult orange soda-like cocktail for the win.
Leave a Comment