Orange Thunder Cocktail

The Orange Thunder Cocktail is bold, citrusy, and packed with energy. It typically combines fresh orange juice with a strong base like vodka, rum, or whiskey, depending on how intense you want it. A splash of citrus soda or ginger beer adds some fizz, while a dash of lemon or lime juice brings in extra brightness. The result is a drink that’s sweet, tangy, and has a little kick great for game days, happy hour, or a night out. Served over ice with an orange slice or peel, it’s loud in flavor but easy to sip.

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Tasting Notes

The Orange Thunder Cocktail is a citrus lover’s dream—bright, juicy, and electric with every sip. Clementine vodka and triple sec create a vibrant base of sweet orange flavor, complemented by the freshness of orange juice. Topped with orange soda, the drink becomes delightfully fizzy and invigorating, with a satisfying balance of sweetness and zest. It’s smooth, refreshing, and just the right amount of boozy. Garnished with an orange slice, this cocktail is energetic and sunshine-filled, making it perfect for daytime sipping, casual gatherings, or when you just need a bold burst of citrus joy.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail is simple and quick to assemble with just a few tools. A jigger ensures precise measurement of vodka and liqueur. A bar spoon is ideal for a gentle stir to blend without flattening the soda. Serve it in a highball glass or Collins glass filled with ice to keep it cold and fizzy. A citrus knife will help cut a fresh orange slice for garnish, adding both visual appeal and extra fragrance to enhance the citrus experience.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz clementine vodka
• 0.5 oz triple sec
• 3 oz orange juice
• Orange soda to top
• Orange slice optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a rocks glass with ice.
• Pour in the clementine vodka, triple sec, and orange juice.
• Top the drink with orange soda, leaving some room at the top.
• Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
• Garnish with an orange slice for a vibrant finishing touch and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• For best results, use freshly squeezed orange juice and chilled ingredients to preserve the fizz.
• Try blood orange soda for a twist in both color and flavor.
• Garnish with an orange wheel on the rim or a twist for extra aromatics.
• For a stronger citrus punch, float an extra splash of clementine vodka on top.
• Want it less sweet? Use a natural orange soda or top with sparkling water and a splash of soda instead.

When to Serve

The Orange Thunder Cocktail is ideal for brunches, daytime parties, beach outings, and summer BBQs. Its bright, fruity profile makes it a refreshing companion to light fare, citrus desserts, or spicy dishes. It’s also a fun and fizzy choice for game nights, casual happy hours, or anytime you want a laid-back, flavor-packed drink that’s easy to love and quick to make.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Opt for citrus-forward vodkas like Absolut Mandrin, Deep Eddy Orange, or Smirnoff Clementine for the clementine vodka base.
• Use Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a smoother, more complex triple sec, or go with a classic like DeKuyper for simplicity.
• Choose natural orange sodas like Sanpellegrino Aranciata, Jarritos Mandarin, or even Fanta for bold fizz and sweetness.
• Fresh, high-quality orange juice will tie it all together for a standout citrus cocktail.

Similar Cocktails

• Bellini Sunrise
• Aperol Orange Creamsicle Cocktail
• Transylvania Screwdriver 
• Scotch Sour
• Jack-O’-Lantern Spritz