You may have heard of food and beverage pairings like champagne and strawberries, coffee and chocolate, and peanut butter and celery. One new pairing that is taking the culinary world by storm is orange juice with coffee.
For years the French and Swedish have enjoyed the taste of orange and coffee during the winter holidays. Today, it has taken a whole new form. To learn more about the many interesting, delicious, and odd ways of pairing orange and coffee, continue reading below.
Delicious Orange and Coffee Pairings
Orange and coffee are a delicious pairing that is making a comeback in today’s American kitchens. From chocolate and espresso powder-covered orange candies to coffee and orange-flavored popsicles, orange and coffee are a tasty duo.
Over the last hundred years or so, it has been a popular Italian after-dinner delicacy to serve hot espresso with slices of orange or lemon at the end of the meal. Diners usually add the slices to their coffee to brighten the coffee’s bitterness or bite into the citrus just before taking a coffee sip.
Since the early 1950s, when orange juice was declared a staple of every well-rounded breakfast in America, having a cup of coffee in addition to your glass of orange juice has been a household staple.
Mixing Coffee and Orange Juice
Today, mixing coffee and orange juice, or any citrus juice, is the new beverage trend to try. Originating in Phoenix, Arizona, coffee shops have begun offering a menu item whose ingredients include fresh-squeezed orange juice, espresso shots, and cold water. Served over ice or just cool and straight-up, the espresso and cold orange juice combo have become a fan favorite.
Mixing orange juice and coffee has physical benefits as well as taste benefits. Not only does the orange juice cut the slight bitterness of espresso with its natural fruity sweetness, but it also encourages the body to absorb the caffeine faster.
Since orange juice has a naturally moderately acidic pH level of 3.3 to 4.2, it opens sensory channels in the body’s receptive system to increase the speed of caffeine intake. This means that you will likely feel a higher caffeine jolt in a shorter amount of time when drinking your orange juice and coffee mixed beverage, giving you more energy to start your day.
Orange and Coffee Adult Beverages
In addition to drinking coffee and orange juice mixed, some have started adding vodka or other liquor to their coffee in the morning in place of the iconic morning mimosa. In addition to a caffeine jolt with sweet undertones, you’ll get the kick of alcohol to accompany your morning meal.
Other coffee orange juice drinks with an adult twist include:
- Orange coffee cream cocktails
- The Revolver Martini
- Orange and coffee-flavored rum liqueur
- Kahlua coffee orange cold brew
- Gran Marnier coffee with orange cream
- Boozy orange chocolate cocoa for the holidays
- Snow on Sand rum drinks
You can enjoy most, if not all, orange and coffee adult beverages hot and cold, depending on your preference.
The Best Orange and Coffee Drink Recipes
To make two tempting non-alcoholic beverages that everyone can enjoy, follow the fun, simple, and easy recipes detailed below:
Orange Mocha Frappuccino
The Orange Mocha Frappuccino is a delicious non-alcoholic orange and coffee treat for individuals of all ages. Ingredients for this beverage include:
- One espresso shot
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup chocolate milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Zest of one large orange
- Juice of one large orange
- Two cups of ice
- Pre-made whipped cream
- A blender
To make this beverage, simply add all of the liquid and solid ingredients into a blender and blend until you reach a smooth and icy consistency. Then, top with whipped cream, a little bit of extra chocolate syrup, and some more orange zest. Enjoy!
Iced Orange Coffee
Get with the trend and try a cool mixture of espresso and orange juice the next time you’re reaching for your morning buzz. To make an iced orange coffee, you’ll need:
- Brewed coffee or two to four ounces espresso
- ¼ cup filtered water
- ½ cup organic medium-pulp unsweetened orange juice
- Ice (optional)
- A tall glass
Pour the orange juice over ice in your glass, or forego the ice and just pour the orange juice on its own. Then, add the filtered water and espresso or coffee, depending on your preference. The denser juice will rest on the bottom, and the coffee will sit on top, creating a beautiful dual-colored beverage. Enjoy!
The Orange and Coffee Trend
Don’t miss out on this delicious trend! Give orange and coffee a try through decadent desserts like bold espresso-powder-covered orange candies, orange and coffee morning pick-me-ups, and yummy alcoholic beverages with an orange and coffee twist. You might even find a recipe at your favorite coffee shop.
Happy Caffeinating!
