The Antioxidant Cocktail
The Antioxidant Cocktail is a bright citrus pour I love when blood oranges are in season. Tito’s vodka is shaken with fresh orange and blood orange juice, Aperol and lime, then finished with an orange peel. If you love my Cucumber Gin Gimlet or my Cranberry Moscow Mule, this one is a must.
Moreover, fresh-squeezed juice makes all the difference. Equally important, the Aperol adds a gentle bitterness that balances the sweet citrus.
In essence, it is sunshine in a glass. Serve it with my Cooper’s Craft Imperial Boulevardier for a citrus-and-bitters cocktail hour.
What Is the Antioxidant Cocktail?
It is a vodka cocktail with fresh orange and blood orange juice, Aperol and lime.
Antioxidant Cocktail Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Tito’s Vodka
A smooth, clean base.
Fresh Orange Juice
Sweet and bright.
Blood Orange Juice
Gorgeous color and berry-like citrus.
Aperol
A gentle bittersweet note.
Fresh Lime Juice
Balance.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
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Cocktail Shaker
For the host building a home bar. It chills the drink and bruises the mint.
Double Jigger
For anyone who free-pours. It keeps the Chambord and bourbon in balance.
Mesh Strainers
For straining the hibiscus tea and the torn mint, so nothing floats in the glass.
Bar Strainer
For the double strain. It fits over the shaker tin and holds back the ice.
Wine Glasses
For the hostess who wants one glass for wine and cocktails. They hold plenty of ice.
Citrus Juicer
For the brunch host juicing more than one grapefruit. Fresh juice matters here.
Electric Kettle
For the tea lover. It heats the water for the hibiscus tea and pours cleanly.
Measuring Cups
For steeping the tea. Cover the cup while it steeps, then pour from the spout.
Ice Cube Trays
For the guest who sips slowly. Big cubes keep the drink cold without watering it down.
Paring Knife
For clean grapefruit slices on the rim. The one knife every home bar needs.
Serving Tray
For carrying a round of drinks to the table, with the garnishes alongside.
Linen Napkins
For the host who loves the details. A small touch under every cold glass.
How To Make the Antioxidant Cocktail
- Shake vodka, juices, Aperol and lime with ice.
- Strain into a glass.
- Garnish with a citrus peel.
The Antioxidant Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Tito’s vodka
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 1/2 oz Aperol
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- orange or lemon peel for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Combine the vodka, orange and blood orange juices, Aperol and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and strain into a glass.
- Garnish with an orange or lemon peel.
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar — three cocktails worth shaking up next.
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Variations
Spritz
Top with Prosecco.
Tequila
Swap vodka for tequila.
Campari
Use Campari for more bitterness.
Mocktail
Use orange juice, lime and soda.
Salted Rim
Add a salt-sugar rim.
Batch
Multiply for a pitcher.
When I Love Serving the Antioxidant Cocktail
Winter Brunch
Blood orange season.
Holiday Parties
Bright and festive.
Girls’ Night
Pretty and easy.
Dinner Parties
A colorful welcome drink.
Spring Showers
Fresh and citrusy.
Weekend Treat
A little sunshine.
What To Serve With the Antioxidant Cocktail
Something Salty
My Salami Chips or Caviar Potato Chips.
An Elegant Bite
A Showstopper Board
My Caviar Board.
Seafood Crostini
My Smoked Salmon, Dill & Caviar Crostini.
A Cocktail Flight
Set out my Martini Board.
Something Sweet
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Make Ahead
Squeeze the juices up to a day ahead and refrigerate.
Garnishes
Slice citrus and prep herbs up to a day ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator.
Leftovers
Mixed drinks with bubbles are best enjoyed right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are blood oranges in season?
Typically winter into early spring.
Can I use bottled juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works.
What is Aperol?
An Italian bittersweet orange aperitif.
Can I batch it?
Yes; shake to order.
How many does it serve?
One cocktail.
Final Thoughts
This citrus cocktail brightens even the coldest day. With this in mind, I hope it becomes one of your go-to pours for gathering with the people you love.
All things considered, a great drink is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel celebrated. Please enjoy responsibly, and if you make it, I would love to hear how you served it.
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
