Orange Juice
A universally popular and refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made from freshly squeezed oranges, known for its bright citrus flavor and rich vitamin C content.
What is this drink?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is one of the world's most consumed beverages — the simple extraction of juice from ripe oranges produces a drink that is bright, naturally sweet-tart, and packed with vitamin C. Fresh OJ and bottled OJ are almost incomparably different drinks.
Why you'll love it
Fresh orange juice has a vibrant, aromatic quality that immediately brightens the morning — the natural sweetness, the slight tartness, and the fresh citrus aroma make it a sensory delight that no carton can replicate.
When to serve
The classic morning drink for breakfast and brunch, but equally wonderful as a standalone refresher, a cocktail mixer, or a palate-brightening accompaniment to rich foods.
Pro tip
Roll the oranges firmly on the countertop before cutting and juicing — this breaks down the internal membranes and significantly increases juice yield from each fruit.
Fresh Oranges
The only ingredient — the variety matters greatly. Valencia oranges are juicy and sweet, navel oranges are easy to juice, and blood oranges produce a dramatic ruby-colored juice with berry notes.
Optional Ice
Served over ice keeps the juice cold and refreshing, though fresh-squeezed OJ at room temperature is preferred by juice purists for maximum flavor.
Swap Options
Blood oranges create a gorgeous ruby-colored juice with berry undertones. A mix of orange and grapefruit juice produces a 'Greyhound' juice blend. Add a splash of fresh lime or ginger juice for a zingy kick. Use as a mixer in Mimosas, Screwdrivers, or Tequila Sunrises.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare oranges
Wash 3-4 medium oranges thoroughly. Cut each orange in half.
Tips:
- •Choose ripe, firm oranges for the most juice and best flavor.
Extract juice
Using a citrus juicer (manual or electric), extract the juice from the orange halves. Collect the juice in a container.
Tips:
- •Roll oranges on a hard surface before cutting and juicing to maximize yield.
Strain (optional) and serve
If you prefer pulp-free juice, strain the fresh juice through a fine-mesh sieve. Pour the fresh orange juice into a glass. Serve chilled, with or without 1 serving of ice. Optionally garnish with 1 orange slice.
Tips:
- •Serve immediately for the freshest taste. Adjust pulp level to your liking.
Flavor Profile
Alcohol Content
Fun Fact
Bartender's Tips
- Always use freshly squeezed oranges for the best taste and nutritional benefits.
- For a sweeter juice, choose oranges like Valencia or navel. For a tarter option, a mix with some blood oranges or even a splash of lime can be nice.
- You can blend a small amount of the pulp back into the juice for added fiber and texture.
- Store any leftover fresh juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Blood Orange Juice
Use blood oranges (in season from December to April) instead of regular oranges for a dramatically vivid ruby-red juice with a more complex flavour profile — notes of raspberry and berry alongside the usual citrus brightness. Beautiful and distinctive.
Orange and Ginger Juice
Add a 2cm piece of fresh ginger to the juicer alongside the oranges for a warming, spiced orange juice with a pleasant tingle. Particularly welcome on cold mornings and as a natural cold remedy.
Sunrise Blend
Combine orange juice with a small splash of grenadine poured gently down the inside of the glass to create the sunrise gradient effect. A non-alcoholic version of the Tequila Sunrise that's just as visually dramatic.
Tools that make this drink come together
Citrus Juicer
A lever-style or electric citrus juicer extracts maximum juice efficiently. For a single glass, a simple hand-held reamer works perfectly. Always roll the orange firmly on a hard surface before cutting to release the juice from the membranes and maximise yield.
Fine Mesh Strainer
Strain the freshly squeezed juice through a fine sieve to remove seeds and excess pulp for a cleaner, clearer glass of orange juice. Leave unstrained for a traditional, pulpy fresh-squeezed style.
Glass or Jug
A clear glass or glass jug shows off the vibrant amber-orange colour of fresh orange juice beautifully. For a family breakfast, a glass pitcher with a lid keeps several servings fresh and cold in the refrigerator.
Can't Find These?
A fork jabbed firmly into a halved orange and twisted extracts juice without any juicer. Squeeze the halves over a bowl, catching seeds with your fingers. Any container holds the juice. The simplest approach yields the most natural, unprocessed result.
The right glass makes a real difference
Short Tumbler or Juice Glass
Fresh orange juice is classically served in a short, wide-mouthed tumbler or dedicated juice glass — the wide opening allows the vivid orange colour and fresh citrus aroma to be fully appreciated on approach. A smaller 200–250ml glass is the traditional morning juice serving size. For a more generous drink, a tall glass is equally appropriate.
Alternatives
A highball glass for a larger, more generous serving over ice. A wine glass for an elegant brunch presentation. Any transparent glass works — fresh orange juice is visually appealing in virtually any vessel. Avoid opaque or coloured glasses that hide the beautiful natural colour.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Full English or Full Irish Breakfast
Fresh orange juice is the classic accompaniment to a cooked breakfast — its sharp acidity cuts through the richness of fried eggs, bacon, and sausages, refreshing the palate between bites.
Granola with Greek Yogurt
Crunchy granola with creamy, protein-rich Greek yogurt is a wholesome, complementary pairing for orange juice at breakfast. The yogurt's tanginess echoes the orange's acidity in a satisfying, balanced combination.
Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs
Silky scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on toasted bread is a classic brunch pairing for orange juice — the richness of the egg and salmon is perfectly refreshed by the vitamin-C burst of fresh juice.
Fruit Salad with Honey and Mint
A fresh fruit salad with a honey and mint dressing alongside orange juice creates a cohesive, vitamin-rich breakfast spread. The mint in the salad echoes any garnish on the juice and keeps the combination feeling bright and clean.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Juice the Night Before
Freshly squeezed orange juice keeps well refrigerated for up to 24 hours in a sealed container. Juice the night before for a genuinely effortless breakfast — the juice retains most of its vitamin C and fresh flavour for the first 12 hours after squeezing.
Roll Oranges Before Juicing
Firmly roll room-temperature oranges on the worktop for 30 seconds before halving. This breaks down the cell structure inside and releases up to 30% more juice than cold, unrolled fruit. Bring refrigerator-cold oranges to room temperature for 10 minutes before juicing for the same effect.
Keep Juice Sealed
Always store fresh orange juice in a sealed container — exposure to air causes oxidation that progressively degrades the flavour and vitamin C content. A glass jar with a tight lid is ideal. Fill to the top to minimise air contact.
Freeze Surplus Juice
Freeze excess orange juice in ice cube trays for later use in smoothies, marinades, or cocktail mixers. Orange juice ice cubes added to a juice glass cool the drink without diluting it as they melt — a genuinely useful technique for summer mornings.
Common questions answered by our bartenders
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