This combination may seem a bit strange to you, but give it a try and you'll be amazed! Coffee and orange juice actually make the perfect combination and this iced drink is one you'll want to add to your morning routine!
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If you haven't heard of this combination before, you are probably wondering why the heck I'm posting this recipe. Coffee and orange juice? Together? In one glass? What is going on?
I thought the same thing the first time I heard about it. But it's quickly become a TikTok phenomenon and now it seems like everyone is trying it. Coffee and orange juice together sounds like a totally weird combination.
But somehow... Somehow it's absolutely delicious. I promise!
🍊Is coffee and orange juice a thing?
The combination of coffee and orange juice actually isn't anything new. In fact, some cafes in the U.S. have been serving it as far back as 2011 and similar drinks have been enjoyed in Europe even longer.
Bon Appetit published this recipe for a Spritzy Americano back in 2018. A Spritzy Americano is orange juice, espresso, and seltzer water.
But, of course, some things don't get much attention until TikTok-ers start posting about them. And now that TikTok-ers have discovered coffee and orange juice, everyone's talking about it!
🧡 Why you'll love this recipe
You'll love it because it's good! Like surprisingly really, really good. You'll also love it because it will surprise you. Sometimes the most unlikely combinations are the best!
If you love a glass of juice in the morning, but also want to get a caffeine boost, this is the perfect drink for you!
It's also super fun to make this for friends. They'll be horrified that you're suggesting mixing espresso and orange juice. And then you'll watch their face as they take their first sip and see how delicious it is!
🗒 Ingredients
The ingredients in this drink are pretty simple... you just need coffee (I recommend espresso or strongly brewed coffee) and orange juice. That's it!
Though I typically love an orange juice with lots of pulp, I recommend using pulp-free orange juice for this drink. There's something about the pulp mixing with the coffee that makes this a bit less delicious.
And I recommend letting the coffee cool a bit before adding it to the orange juice.
☕️ How to make coffee and orange juice
It's pretty simple, my friends. All you're going to do is pour a glass of orange juice over ice. How much is up to you and you may want to do some experimenting to see the ratio you like best.
But I recommend using about 6 oz. of orange juice.
And then adding in about 2 oz. of espresso or strongly brewed coffee.
The coffee will likely initially settle on top of the orange juice, but will eventually start to make beautiful swirls.
I do recommend stirring before drinking to get the full effect.
Are you still thinking, "wow, this is totally weird; what the heck is she thinking??"
Just take a sip. Do it.
And?? It's pretty good huh??
Espresso and orange juice together have a complex flavor, but one that really works. There's something about the sweetness of the orange juice that connects with the bitterness of the coffee and makes it a flavor explosion.
🥛 Can I add cream?
While the orange juice adds some sweetness to the coffee, some people don't like to drink their coffee without milk or cream.
You can certainly add a splash of cream or milk to this drink, but I have to caution you that the dairy may curdle a bit and the drink may not look very pretty.
To minimize the chance of curdling, make sure your orange juice and cream are both very cold (temperature differences between the two can cause curdling).
😍 What if this drink isn't strong enough for me?
If you're a big coffee lover and prefer not to dilute the taste of it, you can most definitely change up the ratios used in this recipe. I love this drink with half orange juice and half coffee.
You can even make an iced coffee and just add in a splash of juice. How you make it is totally up to you!
🔥 Can I drink this hot?
Because this drink is mostly orange juice, it's naturally best to serve it iced. However, if you want, you can try making a cup of hot coffee and adding a splash of orange juice in instead of doing it the other way around.
🥤Can I use other juices?
You can certainly try using other juices, but there's something about orange juice that works really well with coffee.
I tried this with peach juice and it was also delicious.
🧋Other coffee drinks
If you like this unique caffeinated combination, you might want to try some other unique coffee drinks! Here are some of my favorites:
- Coffee Avocado Milkshake (another "weird" combo that really works!)
- Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
- Pistachio Latte
- Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
- Espresso Soda Cocktail
- Iced Gingerbread Latte
- Caramel Coffee and Donuts Milkshake
- Red Velvet Latte
- Apple Crisp Macchiato
- Iced Lavender Latte
I hope you decide to give the espresso and orange juice combination a try... Even if it's just because you're so curious to see how it could possibly be so popular!
Even if it doesn't become your morning go-to drink, it's delicious for a sweet little caffeine boost and a fun drink to serve your friends!
Have you tried this combination yet?
📖 Recipe
Coffee and Orange Juice
Ingredients
- 6 oz. orange juice
- Ice
- 2 oz. espresso or strongly brewed coffee (I recommend letting it cool before using)
Instructions
- Pour orange juice into an ice-filled glass.
- Top off with coffee.
- Taste and adjust to your preferences!
Notes
- If you like a stronger cup of coffee, you can try using half orange juice and half coffee or you can even just add a splash of orange juice to your coffee. Play with the ratios until this drink is perfect for you!
monica says
ORANGE JOE??!?!??!
Omori from Omori says
Orange Joe???