Name: Orange You Glad Cocktail
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin; 1 oz orange juice; ½ oz lemon juice; ½ oz vanilla-infused simple syrup; Soda water (to top); Garnish: orange or lemon slice

Pin29

Flip

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Orange You Glad Cocktail is bright, juicy, and full of citrus flavor. It’s built around fresh orange juice with a splash of something stronger like vodka, gin, or rum plus a little lemon or lime to keep things balanced. The result is smooth, sunny, and easy to drink. It’s great for brunches, backyard hangs, or anytime you want a drink that feels fresh without being too complicated. Whether you serve it shaken over ice or topped with bubbles, this one keeps things light and cheerful, just like its name. Inspired by cooks_hideout

This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy

Quick Content Links

Tasting Notes

This Orange You Glad Cocktail is crisp, citrusy, and lightly floral with a smooth hint of vanilla. The orange juice brings brightness and just a touch of sweetness, while lemon juice adds tart balance. Vanilla simple syrup softens the edges, and soda water gives it a refreshing fizz. The Empress 1908 Gin floats on top, adding a gorgeous layer of color and a botanical finish that mixes in as you stir. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to sip perfect for when you want something fun, citrusy, and a little different.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker, jigger, strainer, and bar spoon for layering. A citrus press helps you get the most juice from your orange and lemon. A chilled highball or large stemmed cocktail glass works well here, giving room for the ice and layers. To make it extra cold, chill your glass ahead of time. If you want clean layers, make sure your gin is poured gently over the back of a spoon.

Ingredients

2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
1 oz orange juice
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz vanilla-infused simple syrup
Soda water, to top
Garnish: orange or lemon slice

Instructions

In a shaker filled with ice, combine orange juice, lemon juice, and vanilla simple syrup. Shake well.
Strain into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
Slowly pour Empress 1908 Gin over the back of a spoon to layer on top.
Add a splash of soda water.
Add an orange or lemon slice for garnish. Stir gently before sipping.

Pro Tips

Use fresh-squeezed citrus for the best flavor. Make sure the gin is chilled before layering it’ll float better that way.
For a cleaner layer, pour the gin slowly and use a spoon to guide it.
If you like a sweeter drink, add a touch more vanilla syrup.
Chilling the glass helps keep the drink cold and helps the color separation stand out longer.
Stir gently before sipping to fully enjoy the flavors.

When to Serve

This Orange You Glad Cocktail is perfect for brunch, early evenings, or garden parties. Its color makes it a great pick for spring or summer events, and it’s light enough to enjoy before dinner or as a casual afternoon drink. It’s also a nice surprise for guests who enjoy citrus-forward cocktails with a botanical twist.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Use Empress 1908 Gin for the signature color and smooth, floral flavor it’s what gives this drink its look.
For the simple syrup, you can make your own with sugar, water, and a splash of vanilla extract or real vanilla bean.
Fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice will give the drink its brightest taste.
Stick with plain soda water to keep it clean and refreshing.

Similar Cocktails