When the weather cools down, fresh citrus adds a bright, sweet note to cozy fall flavors like apple, cranberry and pumpkin. Navel orange season kicks off just in time, so it’s the perfect excuse to start a new holiday drink tradition.
Each of these recipes works with or without alcohol, so everyone at the table can raise a glass.
Why Navel Oranges Work in Drinks
Navel oranges are seedless, easy to juice and naturally sweet with low acidity. That means smooth, balanced drinks without much added sugar.
Fresh-squeezed juice makes a noticeable difference. One medium Hale Groves Navel Orange gives you about ⅓ cup of juice. Valencia oranges are a great substitute when they’re in season.
Fall Breeze Cocktail
A crisp, equal-parts cocktail that pairs well with savory game dishes and rich desserts.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1½ oz fresh-squeezed Hale Groves Navel Orange juice
- 1½ oz apple juice or cider
- 1½ oz cranberry juice
- Ice
- Orange wheel, for garnish
Directions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, orange juice, apple juice and cranberry juice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange wheel.
Make it a mocktail: Skip the vodka and top with sparkling water or ginger ale.
Spiced Orange Cider
This warm, fragrant cider fills the house with the scent of the season. Serve it as is, or let guests add a splash of rum or bourbon to their mugs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients
- ½ gallon fresh apple cider
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed Hale Groves Navel Orange juice (about 3 oranges)
- 2-3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 6 whole cloves
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Dried or fresh orange slices, for garnish
- Optional garnishes: star anise and fresh rosemary sprigs
- Optional: 1-1½ oz rum, bourbon or vodka per mug
Directions
- Combine cider, orange juice, brown sugar and spices in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain out the whole spices and ladle into mugs.
- Add spirits to individual mugs if desired, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice. Add a star anise pod or rosemary sprig for extra aroma.
Pumpkin Orange Passion
Pumpkin and orange are a surprisingly delicious pair. Mix the base ahead of time, chill it, and pour as guests arrive.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1½ cups fresh-squeezed Hale Groves Navel Orange juice (about 4-5 oranges)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp vanilla sugar (or 2 tbsp sugar plus ½ tsp vanilla extract)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 oz Frangelico or spiced rum per drink
- Ice
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg, for garnish
Directions
- Blend orange juice, pumpkin puree, vanilla sugar and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Chill for at least 1 hour.
- For each drink, shake ½ cup of the base with 1 oz liqueur and ice.
- Strain into a glass and dust with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Make it a mocktail: Skip the liqueur and top each glass with sparkling apple cider.
Tips for Success
- Juice right before mixing: Fresh orange juice tastes best within a few hours. Roll each orange on the counter first to get more juice.
- Chill your oranges: Cold fruit means colder drinks and less melted ice.
- Skip cream liqueurs with citrus: Cream-based liqueurs can curdle when mixed with orange juice, so nutty or spiced options work better.
Looking for more citrus sips? Try our Cara Cara Old Fashioned, Grapefruit-Cranberry Punch or Golden Honeybell Juice Cocktail.