The Citrus Vodka Crush is light, crisp, and packed with juicy flavor. Fresh citrus juice and ginger beer give it a refreshing kick, while vodka keeps things smooth and simple. It’s a no-fuss drink that works just as well for brunch as it does for happy hour.

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Tasting Notes

Citrus Vodka Crush is crisp, fizzy, and refreshing with a mix of tart and sweet notes. The citrus juice gives the drink a bright, sharp flavor, while the vodka adds smoothness without overpowering. Ginger beer brings in a hint of spice and a bubbly finish that lifts the whole drink. The blood orange slice and mint sprig not only look great but also add a nice aroma to each sip. It’s well-balanced, easy to drink, and just the right mix of citrus and spice with a cool, clean finish.

Equipment and Glassware

To make this cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, a citrus juicer, a jigger or measuring tool, and a bar spoon for stirring. Use a strainer to pour from the shaker without ice if preferred. A sharp knife and cutting board will be helpful for slicing the citrus and preparing the garnish. This drink looks and feels best served in a chilled highball glass or a tall tumbler filled with ice. A straw is optional but works well for this type of fizzy drink. Keep a small muddler nearby if you want to press mint gently before garnishing.

Ingredients

1.5 oz vodka
2 oz ginger beer
4 oz citrus juice
Garnish: blood orange slice and mint sprig

For citrus juice:

2 blood oranges
2 navel oranges
2 tangerines
½ cup water
1 tbsp honey

Instructions

To make the citrus juice: Add peeled blood oranges, navel oranges, and tangerines along with ½ cup water to a blender. Blend on high for about 1 minute. Taste, then add 1 tablespoon of honey. Blend again briefly, then strain into a container to remove pulp and seeds. Chill until ready to use.
Fill a glass with ice.
Add vodka and citrus juice. Stir gently.
Top with ginger beer.
Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a sprig of mint. Serve chilled.

Pro Tips

Use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the brightest flavor
Chill your glass before pouring to keep the drink colder longer
Don’t over-shake the citrus it can become bitter if overworked
Try blood orange juice for a richer color and slightly sweeter taste
Use a high-quality ginger beer with real ginger for extra spice
Stir gently after adding ginger beer to keep the bubbles from going flat
Add a pinch of salt to round out the citrus flavor if needed
Lightly slap the mint sprig before garnishing to release aroma

When to Serve

Citrus Vodka Crush is perfect for warm weather, happy hour, or casual gatherings with friends. It’s a great drink to serve at spring or summer parties, brunches, or outdoor barbecues. The refreshing mix of citrus and ginger makes it a good option for daytime sipping or pairing with fresh foods like salads, seafood, or grilled chicken. It’s also easy to batch, making it a crowd-pleaser at group events. Serve it when you want something light, bubbly, and citrus-forward without being too strong or sweet.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Vodka:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Absolut
- Ketel One
Ginger Beer:
- Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
- Q Ginger Beer
- Reed’s Extra Ginger Beer

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