Whether you’re hosting friends, mixing for a special occasion, or treating yourself to a little dessert in a glass, this Orange Creamsicle Cocktail drink is quick, foolproof, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This Orange Creamsicle Martini Cocktail takes the nostalgic flavor of the classic popsicle you loved as a kid and turns it into a silky, boozy treat. Made with fresh orange juice, vanilla vodka, and orange liqueur, this cocktail is refreshing and indulgent just like my Lemon Curd Cocktail and my Guava Passion Fruit Drink.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
-
Tastes like the frozen creamsicle you loved as a kid, only grown-up and better!
-
Simple ingredients you probably already have.
-
Balanced sweetness that’s easy to adjust.
-
Great for entertaining and visually impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Vanilla Vodka – Adds the creamy vanilla base flavor without dairy. It's infused with vanilla, making it perfect for dessert cocktails.
-
Orange Liqueur – Try Cointreau for a bright citrus pop, Grand Marnier for richness, or triple sec for budget-friendly sweetness.
-
Fresh Orange Juice – Fresh-squeezed is best for brightness and freshness. In a pinch, you can use the bottled version, but watch the sugar levels and adjust accordingly
-
Agave Syrup or Simple Syrup – Agave Syrup is sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. It will also add a little more flavor depth to the cocktail. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your orange juice.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamsicle Cocktail
-
Chill your martini glass (or other cocktail glass) in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving. See my tips below on ways to get your glass nice and cold.
-
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for a brighter, fresher taste.
-
Adjust the sweetness of the drink to your preference. Taste before shaking and add more syrup if needed.
-
Use high-quality orange liqueur for the best flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
🔄 Creamier Version: Add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. You can also add an egg white for the perfect foamy and creamy topping.
🔄 Frozen Creamsicle Martini: Blend all ingredients with ice until slushy. Serve immediately.
🔄 Sparkling Creamsicle Martini: Top with a splash of chilled Prosecco, tonic, or seltzer water. Stir lightly before serving.
🔄 Chocolate Orange Creamsicle: Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring. Pour the cocktail into the glass slowly for the perfect visual effect.
🔄 Spicy Orange Creamsicle: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a surprising kick. The aroma will also enhance the drink to another level.
How to Chill a Cocktail Glass
You can chill a cocktail glass in a couple of ways. The simplest method is to place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. Even 10 minutes will make it nice and cold. Wrapping the glass in a damp paper towel before freezing can speed up the process.
Another option is to fill the glass with crushed ice and soda water. The carbonation helps it chill faster, though plain water will work too; it's just a bit slower.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This dessert cocktail pairs beautifully with desserts like cheesecakes or panna cotta, buttery vanilla shortbread cookies, and fresh fruit platters. It’s a hit at bridal showers, baby showers, summer BBQs, and makes a delicious addition to any after-dinner dessert course.
FAQs
Yes, you can make this orange cream cocktail ahead of time. Mix all of the ingredients together without ice and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice right before serving.
If you don't have vanilla vodka for a creamsicle cocktail, use regular vodka and add ¼-½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Shake and serve as normal.
Yes, this cocktail is dairy-free unless you add cream as a variation.
Just replace the vodka and orange liqueur with more orange juice and a splash of vanilla extract, or use an orange soda with vanilla syrup. If you use soda, stir instead of shaking.
For an orange cream cocktail, Cointreau gives a bright citrus flavor, Grand Marnier adds a richer, slightly brandy-like taste, and triple sec is budget-friendly and very sweet.
Adding a splash of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even closer to the frozen treat. If you want to add ice cream, the blended version is the way to go!
Garnish this orange vodka cocktail with a dehydrated orange slice or an orange peel twist. You can also use a fresh orange slice if your orange isn't too big.
More Dessert Cocktails to Try
If you get a chance to make this Orange Creamsicle Cocktail, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Orange Creamsicle Martini Recipe
Equipment
- meauring jigger
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 2 ounces freshly-squeezed orange juice
- ¼ ounce agave or simple syrup
- ½ ounce orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
- 1 dried orange slice or orange peel twist optional for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the cocktail glass ahead of time. You can place it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes, or add ice and cold water and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Add the indregients to a cocktail shaker with fresh ice and shake for 8-12 seconds until nice and cold.
- Strain into the chilled glass, garnish if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chill your martini glass (or other cocktail glass) in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving. You can also add cold water and ice into the glass and allow it to chill for 5-10 minutes before making the cocktail.
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for a brighter, fresher taste.
- Adjust the sweetness of the drink to your preference. Taste before shaking and add more syrup if needed.
- Use high-quality orange liqueur for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Leave a Reply