Paul Kushner
The Big D Energy cocktail is bright, bold, and built to keep the party going. Powered by orange vodka, triple sec, and a splash of Sunny D, this drink gets a citrus-charged lift from a topper of Red Bull Orange Edition. It’s sweet, tangy, and lightly carbonated, delivering both flavor and energy in every sip. Served over ice and garnished with a fresh orange wheel, it’s a fun, high-octane option for tailgates, brunches, or any time you want a drink that doubles as a pick-me-up.
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Tasting Notes
Big D Energy packs a punch of citrus flavor and energy. Orange vodka brings a bright, fruity base, while triple sec enhances the orange notes with a hint of sweetness. Sunny D adds nostalgic familiarity with its tangy, pulpy character, and Red Bull Orange Edition brings in both a boost of caffeine and extra citrus zip. The combination is sweet, slightly tart, and fizzy with an unmistakable orange-forward profile. Served cold over ice and garnished with a fresh orange wheel, this drink is refreshing, energetic, and easy to sip with a bold flavor that holds up from first sip to last.
Equipment and Glassware
You don’t need much to pull off this drink. Grab a mason jar, pint glass, or any large glass that can hold ice and about 10 ounces of liquid. A jigger or measuring tool will help with accurate pours, and a bar spoon or long-handled spoon is ideal for stirring everything together. You’ll also need a sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the orange wheel garnish. This is a no-shaker, no-fuss drink perfect when you want something bold and fast with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 oz orange vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 3 oz Sunny D
- 3 oz Red Bull Orange Edition
- Garnish: orange wheel
Instructions
- Fill a mason jar with ice.
- Add 2 oz of orange vodka to the jar.
- Pour in 1 oz of triple sec.
- Add 3 oz of Sunny D.
- Top with 3 oz of Orange Edition Red Bull.
- Stir everything together gently with a mixing glass or bar spoon.
- Garnish with an orange wheel.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Chill all ingredients ahead of time to keep the drink cold longer
- Avoid shaking the Red Bull to maintain carbonation
- Use clear ice cubes for better visual appeal
- For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the Sunny D to 2 oz
- Add a splash of soda water for extra bubbles without more sugar
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice for a longer-lasting look
- Stir gently to preserve fizz and prevent spillage
- Try serving in a tall highball glass for a more classic presentation
When to Serve
Big D Energy is ideal for high-energy events and casual get-togethers. Serve it during tailgates, game days, or music festivals when you need something bold and bright. It’s also great for brunches or day parties where you want a mix of citrus refreshment and caffeine. Because of its sweet and fruity profile, it’s especially well-suited for summer events or anytime you want to keep the mood lifted and the drinks flowing.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Orange Vodka:
- Smirnoff Orange
- Absolut Mandrin
- Grey Goose L’Orange
- Deep Eddy Orange
Triple Sec:
- Cointreau
- DeKuyper Triple Sec
- Bols Triple Sec
- Combier
Similar Cocktails
- Sunkist Orange Crush
- Beer Margarita
- Passion Fruit Hennessy Margarita
- Sandy Sheets
- Yellow Hammer Slammer
Ingredients
- 2 oz orange vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 3 oz Sunny D
- 3 oz Red Bull Orange Edition
- Garnish: orange wheel
Instructions
- Fill a mason jar with ice.
- Add 2 oz of orange vodka to the jar.
- Pour in 1 oz of triple sec.
- Add 3 oz of Sunny D.
- Top with 3 oz of Orange Edition Red Bull.
- Stir everything together gently with a mixing glass or bar spoon.
- Garnish with an orange wheel.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use chilled ingredients to keep the drink colder without diluting it.
- For extra citrus intensity, add a splash of fresh orange juice.
- If you prefer a slightly less sweet version, swap Sunny D for a lighter orange juice blend.
