The Mixology Hub
Italian Orange: Bold citrus, bittersweet depth and aperitif possibilities
Crafted for mixing, not for drinking neat. Lengthen its bold orange character with tonic, stir up a Negroni or take it somewhere tropical. Discover easy serves, cocktail recipes and tips to get the most from every bottle.
Tasting notes
Bright citrus. A beautifully bitter edge.
Blood orange and red citrus lead the way, balanced by maraschino sweetness and a dry, lingering orange pith finish. Mix with bubbles, botanicals or tropical fruit to explore its bold aperitivo character.
Nose
Blood orange and ruby grapefruit, with hints of maraschino, pomegranate and warm spice.
Palate
Rich red citrus and bold orange, balanced by rounded maraschino sweetness.
Finish
Dry and lingering, with a distinctive orange pith bitterness.
Simple serves
Three ways to pour tonight
Italian Orange & Tonic
Pour 2 fl oz Italian Orange and 4 fl oz chilled premium tonic into a tall glass. Fill with fresh ice, stir gently and garnish with an orange slice. Bold, bittersweet and beautifully simple.
Full recipeThe Negroni
Combine 1 fl oz each of Italian Orange, Gin Alternative and Vermouth Alternative in a rocks glass. Stir briefly over fresh ice and finish with an orange slice. A classic aperitivo, made your way.
Full recipe
The Jungle Bird
Shake 1.5 fl oz Italian Orange, 1 fl oz Dark Rum Alternative, 1.5 fl oz pineapple juice, 0.5 fl oz lime juice and 0.25 fl oz white sugar syrup (1:1) with ice and 2 lemon wheels. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with pineapple.
Full recipe
Measurements are US fluid ounces.
Ratio guide
Get the balance right every time
Start with these proportions, taste as you go and find your favorite balance.
Long and refreshing
1 part Italian Orange to 2 parts tonic or soda. Pour over plenty of ice and add an orange slice. Adjust the mixer to taste.
Bold and botanical
Equal parts Italian Orange, Gin Alternative and Vermouth Alternative. The foundation of a non-alcoholic Negroni. Stir briefly with fresh ice.
Bittersweet and sparkling
1 part Italian Orange to 1 part Vermouth Alternative to 3 parts Classico. An easy Negroni Sbagliato. Stir gently and finish with orange.
Mixer pairings
What goes with Italian Orange
- Indian tonic: a classic bittersweet pairing. Serve over plenty of ice with an orange slice.
- Soda water: a lighter, drier pour that lets the bitter orange shine. Finish with orange or lemon.
- Fresh orange juice: juicy sweetness softens the bitter edge. Shake or blend the juice first for a light, frothy texture.
- Pineapple juice: tropical fruit balances the citrus bitterness. Add fresh lime for a bright finishing touch.
- Grapefruit soda: a lively citrus pairing with a gently bitter finish. Garnish with pink grapefruit.
- Classico Sparkling: crisp bubbles for aperitivo hour. Add Vermouth Alternative to make a Negroni Sbagliato.
Finishing touches
A little garnish goes a long way
An orange slice is a natural match for Italian Orange’s bold citrus character. Twist a piece of peel over a Negroni to release its fragrant oils, or try pink grapefruit with tonic. For tropical cocktails, add a pineapple wedge. Use fresh ice and chilled mixers to keep every serve bright and balanced.
Party favorite · Serves 12
Negroni Sbagliato, by the pitcher
Bold orange, aromatic depth and a generous splash of sparkle. This easy party serve brings aperitivo charm to long lunches, festive gatherings and pre-dinner drinks.
Combine 12 fl oz Italian Orange and 12 fl oz Vermouth Alternative in a large pitcher and chill. Just before serving, gently stir in 36 fl oz chilled Lyre’s Classico. Divide between 12 ice-filled wine glasses and garnish with orange slices.
Hosting tip: use a pitcher that holds at least 3 US quarts, or split between two pitchers. Add Classico just before serving and keep the ice in the glasses.
Love Italian Orange?
You might also like
Build your aperitivo repertoire with three bottles that bring new possibilities to your next cocktail.
Gin Alternative
Your next step towards a classic Negroni. Its crisp juniper and citrus character pairs with Italian Orange and Vermouth Alternative, or makes an easy long drink with tonic.
Discover
Vermouth Alternative
Bring aromatic depth to aperitivo hour. Pair with Italian Orange and tonic for an Americano, or add Gin Alternative for a Negroni. One bottle, plenty of new possibilities.
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Classico Sparkling
Add a little sparkle to your next pour. Combine with Italian Orange for a simple spritz or also add Vermouth Alternative for a Negroni Sbagliato.
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