Tequila and Orange Juice

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A peppery and tangy cocktail, the Tequila and Orange Juice is a simple mixture that quells your thirst.

It was one of those dingy, smoky and sultry nights. A rare but welcome rain showered over the City of Angels. My shoes click-clacked on the uneven sidewalk as I strode through Hollywood, the streetlights reflecting off the wet pavement. I looked the part of a hard-boiled P.I., with my trenchcoat and fedora tugged down against the rain. But instead of solving mysteries, I’m in search of stories, and a good, stiff drink to go with them. On a noirish eve such as this, do I kick it Blade Runner-style and find a neon-drenched establishment, or do I go with some L.A. Confidential vibes and walk a few more blocks to the Frolic Room? Since I wasn’t getting any drier, I opted for the classic dive bar.

My good friend was a baseball announcer, working for the Dodgers and other teams. On the road a lot, he’d always call me when he came back to town. We’d hit the Frolic Room for a few strong cocktails, and to mingle with some of Hollywood’s finest gentry. Then it was off to the Kibitz Room for a few more drinks, hearing some fun bands play late into the night, and afterward we’d scarf down some sandwiches at Canter’s. Those were some great L.A. nights.

My friend is retired now, living the life in Phoenix. So tonight, it’s just me, the rain and a few cocktails at the Frolic Room. Tequila and Orange Juice, to be exact. Why? Well, my buddy and I would change the drinks up whenever we’d come in, for variety’s sake. And this evening I’m going with a simple cocktail my friend had mentioned numerous times, but I’ve never had. Sweet, and with a peppery, earthy bite, the cocktail’s flavor was unexpected, but also perfect. Margaritas have an orange influence, and this reminded me of a more extreme version in a way.

After a few Tequila and Orange Juices warmed me up and put a smile on my face, I stepped over one of the other patrons and back out into the muggy weather. The rain felt a little lighter now. With some good memories to play back in my mind, I headed down to Canter’s for that sandwich.

What Is The Best Tequila To Use In A Tequila And Orange Juice?

Whenever I plan on mixing tequila into a cocktail, I’ll usually go with a blanco, or silver, version of the spirit. Clear in color and unaged, blanco will blend and meld better with the other flavors it is paired with, in this case orange juice. If you want a more spicy and complex drink, try it out with a reposado tequila, which is aged and has a golden color.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

Fill a highball or a collins glass with ice, mix your cocktail in and garnish with an orange wheel. You can also pop a maraschino cherry on top for a burst of red.

DOES THIS MIXTURE HAVE A NAME?

Sometimes the Tequila and Orange Juice is called a Tequila Screwdriver, since it is a variation on the original cocktail.

Similar Drinks To The Tequila and Orange Juice

Tequila is a fantastic spirit to mix with. So many classic cocktails use it as their base. But after thinking a little about tonight’s recipe, I’m reminded that there are a few more simple tequila concoctions that can easily be mixed up at a moment’s notice. Try some of these the next time a few unexpected guests drop by.

• Tequila and Ginger Ale – Sweet, bubbly and with a spicy bite.
• Tequila and Sprite – The refreshing flavor of Sprite is uplifted by the tequila.
• Tequila Soda – Crisp and cold, the Tequila Soda is a great way to beat the heat.
• Tequila and Lemonade – If you have a hammock, this is the cocktail for you.