Citrus Bloom Cocktail

Need a drink that’s fresh, bright, and a little bit fancy? The Citrus Bloom is about to be your new go-to. It’s packed with citrusy flavor, a hint of floral sweetness, and just the right amount of fun if you want to make the mocktail version.

I created this cocktail during a serious burst of blooms on my orange trees (seriously, one of my favorite parts of the house we bought when we moved to California).

Least you think picking my orange blossoms would stop oranges from growing, have no fear- no orange tree can hold the number of oranges that would come from every flower on the tree. So any naturally fall off that I want to put a net under the trees next year to collect them.

Citrus Bloom Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin (or try blanco tequila for a twist)
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz orange blossom simple syrup (or make your own – RECIPE)
• 1 dash orange bitters (optional, but adds nice depth)

Instructions:

1. Pour all ingredients into your cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake until well chilled.
3. Double strain into a coupe glass.
4. Garnish with an orange slice or an edible flower for a bright, fresh look.

Tip: I learned this the hard way—taste before adding extra orange blossom syrup! My first batch of homemade syrup was super concentrated, and I turned what should’ve been a sophisticated sipper into something that tasted like perfume. Start subtle with your syrup, especially if you are making your own.

Tools for recipe:

• Cocktail Shaker
  • Best shaker for any cocktail
  • Mason Jar cocktail shaker lid
• Coupe Glass (similar, but not exactly what I used):
  • Alternates: Option 1 OR Option 2
• Fine mesh strainer
• Cocktail strainer
• Jigger or small measuring glass
• Channel Knife (for garnishes)
• Muddler or wooden spoon

Ingredients:

• Orange Blossom Syrup
• Orange Blossom Water
• Orange Bitters

Citrus Bloom Mocktail

Don’t feel like drinking alcohol? No problem! The Citrus Bloom Mocktail brings all the same bright, floral, fizzy goodness — no booze needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz orange blossom simple syrup (or make your own – RECIPE)
• 2 oz cold white tea or chilled citrus herbal tea (this adds a nice body to the drink)
• 1 dash orange blossom water (optional, for extra floral flavor, but can overpower)
• Splash of soda water

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold tea in your cocktail shaker (add orange water too if using).
2. Add ice and shake until cold.
3. Strain into a coupe glass or any pretty stemmed glass.
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or an edible flower.

Why You’ll Love the Citrus Bloom

• It’s light, refreshing, and just a little bit fancy.
• You can easily customize it — swap gin for tequila, or mix up different teas for the mocktail.
• It makes a great sour- simply add egg white or aquafaba before you add ice to your shaker. Give the cocktail a “dry” shake first for about 20 seconds and then add ice and shake again.
• It’s perfect for spring and summer parties, brunches, showers, or a sweet solo happy hour. No matter when you sip it this cocktail feels like a little celebration in a glass.

When are orange blossoms in bloom?

My orange trees usually bloom in February or March, just a few weeks after we harvest our fruits in December/January. This is the perfect time to pick orange blossoms to make your own orange blossom water or syrup. I’ve also used it to infuse vodka for a gorgeous orange blossom vodka that really packs a flavor punch.

Don’t have orange trees? No stress! This drink shines with store-bought orange blossom water too—just use a light touch (literally a few drops) or you’ll feel like you’re drinking perfume. You can also pick up dried orange blossoms to make your own syrup at home.

This is one of those rare cocktails that’s equally delicious without the booze. The mocktail version has become my saving grace during busy work weeks when I want something special but need to keep my wits sharp for early meetings!

Whether you’re making the cocktail or the mocktail, the Citrus Bloom is all about easy elegance — and honestly, who couldn’t use a little more of that this year, am I right?