Quick Answer
Yes, you can mix orange juice and white wine. The combination is called a wine cooler and is a popular drink in the summer. The sweetness of the orange juice helps mellow out the dryness of the white wine. While not a traditional pairing, many people enjoy the refreshing citrus flavor that orange juice adds to white wine. Just be careful not to make the drink too sweet. A ratio of 3 parts white wine to 1 part orange juice is a good starting point.
What Happens When You Mix Orange Juice and White Wine?
When you mix orange juice and white wine, the acidic and sweet flavors of the citrus juice balance out the dry, tart notes of the white wine. The result is a drink with a brighter, fruitier taste.
The sweetness of orange juice smoothes over the acidity and bitterness of white wine. Many white wines can have piercing acidity or vegetal, grassy flavors. Orange juice imparts sweetness and additional fruity flavors that make the wine taste more rounded and approachable.
The citrus notes from orange juice also accentuate the fruit flavors already present in many white wines. It makes the fruit taste more vibrant.
Orange juice contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help prevent the oxidation of white wine. This retains the wine’s fresh, crisp taste. The vitamin C and citric acid in orange juice also gives the wine added acidity and liveliness on the palate.
Overall, when mixed properly, orange juice can make white wine taste more balanced, flavorful, and refreshing. The combo evokes tropical, summery flavors.
Good White Wines to Mix with Orange Juice
The best white wines to mix with orange juice are:
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio has zippy acidity that is softened by orange juice. Its light body and delicate fruit flavors pair well with citrus notes.
Sauvignon Blanc
The tart, grassy qualities of Sauvignon Blanc are mellowed by orange juice. The citrus flavors complement Sauvignon Blanc’s grapefruit and lemon character.
Riesling
Sweet Rieslings balance especially well with orange juice. The sugar in Riesling helps counter the juice’s acidity, while the citrus flavor enhances the wine’s fruitiness.
Moscato
The peachy, apricot flavors in Moscato align with orange juice nicely. The wine’s sweetness stands up to the juice’s acidity and sugar.
Chardonnay
Unoaked Chardonnay has bright apple and citrus notes that work well with orange. The juice livens up oaked, butter-kissed Chardonnays.
Sparkling Wines
The effervescence of sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne cut through the thickness of orange juice. Their crispness balances the juice’s sweetness.
What is the Best Orange Juice to White Wine Ratio?
The ideal orange juice to white wine ratio is approximately:
3 Parts White Wine
Since white wine is the alcoholic base of the cocktail, it should make up the majority of the drink. The wine provides the prominent flavor.
1 Part Orange Juice
A smaller portion of orange juice is ideal to slightly sweeten and add citrus notes to the wine. Too much juice overpowers the wine.
This 3:1 wine to juice ratio results in a drink where the wine flavor dominates but gets a fresh citrus kick from the orange juice. The exact amounts can be adjusted based on taste preferences.
Some recommendations for orange juice to white wine ratios by volume:
| White Wine | Orange Juice |
|---|---|
| 12 oz (355 ml) | 4 oz (118 ml) |
| 9 oz (266 ml) | 3 oz (89 ml) |
| 6 oz (177 ml) | 2 oz (59 ml) |
Selecting the Best Ingredients
To make the tastiest orange juice and white wine combos, choose:
Orange Juice
– Freshly squeezed is best to maximize flavor.
– If using store-bought, choose 100% juice without added sugar or preservatives.
– For smooth texture, use pulp-free juice.
White Wine
– Brighter, fruitier wines like Riesling or lighter Chardonnay. Avoid oaky wines.
– Chill wine thoroughly before mixing.
– Sweeter wines pair best with orange juice’s acidity.
– Dry wines can work but may need more juice to balance flavors.
– Lower alcohol wines (11% ABV or less) tend to mix best.
Other Tips
– Add juice to wine slowly and taste as you go until desired flavor balance is reached.
– Use a wine glass to properly experience aromas.
– Garnish with an orange slice or wheel.
– Add ice cubes to make it extra chilled.
– Try sparkling water instead of still to make a wine spritzer.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last Mixed with Wine?
When mixed together, the shelf life of orange juice and white wine is:
Up to 5-7 Days Refrigerated
The acidic pH of orange juice helps prevent microbial growth, allowing the mixed drink to keep for 5-7 days when stored properly in the fridge.
2-3 Hours at Room Temperature
The wine oxidizes and orange juice separates more quickly if left unrefrigerated. For best flavor and food safety, serve within 2-3 hours of mixing.
To extend the shelf life:
– Prepare single servings instead of a large batch.
– Use freshly squeezed orange juice.
– Make sure wine and juice are chilled when mixing.
– Store tightly sealed in refrigerator.
– Never leave unrefrigerated more than 2 hours.
– Consume within 3-5 days and don’t save after first pour.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some recommended ways to serve orange juice and white wine:
As a Cocktail Over Ice
Mix the wine and juice together and pour over a glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with an orange slice. Serve with a straw.
Frozen into Wine Pops
For a boozy frozen treat, freeze the mixture in popsicle molds. These are great summer party refreshments.
In a Wine Spritzer
Top up the wine and orange juice with some sparkling water or soda water. This dilutes the alcohol and makes a fizzy, lighter drink.
In a Punch Bowl
Make a big batch by combining wine, orange juice, sliced oranges, and ice in a punch bowl. Let guests ladle into cups.
As a Sangria
Along with orange juice, mix in chopped oranges, berries, peach slices, etc. Let the fruit infuse in the wine for a couple hours before serving.
Cocktail Variations
Try these tweaks on the basic orange juice and white wine cocktail:
Mimosa –
Use sparkling wine instead of still wine.
Bellini –
Substitute peach nectar for orange juice.
Grapefruit Wine Cooler –
Use grapefruit juice.
Apple Cider Sangria –
Mix apple cider and orange juice with wine.
Cranberry Spritzer –
Mix in cranberry juice and club soda.
Pear Sangria –
Add diced pears and brandy along with OJ.
The Vitamin C –
Use lemon juice and vodka instead of wine.
Feel free to experiment with different fruit juice and liquor combinations!
Benefits of Mixing Wine and Orange Juice
Some potential benefits of mixing white wine and orange juice include:
Lowers Alcohol Content
The juice dilutes the wine’s alcohol proof, giving you control over the drink’s booziness.
Increases Vitamin C
Orange juice is packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, which helps your body absorb alcohol.
Adds Electrolytes
The potassium in orange juice provides electrolytes to replenish what’s lost when drinking alcohol.
Prevents Dehydration
The juice provides fluids to keep you hydrated since alcohol has a diuretic effect.
Slows Intoxication
The juice affects absorption, slowing the rate at which you get drunk.
Mellows Dry Wines
Orange juice balances very acidic, tannic, or alcoholic wines that could otherwise be harsh on their own.
More Nutritious
You get additional nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, folate and antioxidants.
Downsides and Things to Be Aware Of
While refreshing and fun, there are some downsides to mixing orange juice and white wine to keep in mind:
High in Sugar
The combination can be high in sugar between the wine’s residual sugar and natural sugars in juice. Easy to overload on carbs.
Can Cause Indigestion
The acidity from both the wine and citrus juice can provoke heartburn or upset stomach issues in some people.
Masks Alcohol Content
The juice flavor can make it harder to gauge your alcohol intake, making it easier to overconsume.
Alters Wine Flavor
Purists argue that adding anything to wine changes its intended flavor profile. The juice overwhelms the wine’s nuances.
Not a Substitute for Hydration
Despite having water and electrolytes, the diuretic effect of the alcohol negates some of the hydrating benefits. Drink water between glasses.
Potential Medication Interactions
The vitamin C in orange juice can interact with some medications like birth control pills and antidepressants.
Food Pairings
In addition to sipping on its own, orange juice and white wine cocktails pair well with these foods:
Cheese Board
Salty cheeses like feta, goat, and halloumi complement the sweet citrus drink. The wine cuts through the rich dairy.
Seafood
The brightness balances rich seafood like salmon, crab cakes, or lobster rolls.
Spicy Foods
The sweetness helps tame the heat in spicy Thai, Indian, or Mexican dishes.
BBQ Chicken
The subtly smoky chicken flavor blends nicely with the fruity drink.
Fruit and Cheese Platter
Play up the fruitiness by pairing with skewered fruit, fruit tarts, and fruit-based cheeses like brie with apricot or fig.
Citrus Desserts
Complement citrusy desserts like lemon tarts, key lime pie, or orange macarons.
Brunch
Mimosas and orange juice spritzers make great brunch cocktails alongside egg dishes, pancakes, and pastries.
Tips for Making Delicious Orange Juice and White Wine Drinks
Here are some tips for making the tastiest orange juice spritzers and mimosas at home:
– Chill both wine and juice well before mixing. This helps the flavors blend and improves the mouthfeel.
– Only fill glasses halfway with ice to prevent dilution as it melts.
– Add juice slowly to wine while gently stirring to integrate flavors. Taste as you go until the flavor balance tastes right to you.
– Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the most authentic, bright taste. Simply squeeze oranges through a strainer to catch pulp.
– For store-bought juice, read labels and avoid added sugars or preservatives. Valencia or Navel oranges make the best OJ.
– Sweeter white wines like Riesling and Moscato pair best. Avoid very dry wines that will taste sour.
– Make mimosas by using Prosecco, Cava or Champagne instead of still wine. The bubbles enhance the drinking experience.
– Infuse your sangria with fresh orange and citrus slices. Let sit for 1-2 hours before serving for boldest flavor.
– Set up a DIY mimosa bar at your next brunch so guests can customize their own drinks. Provide cut oranges, juice and various wines.
Fun Orange Juice and White Wine Drink Recipes to Try
Ready to experiment? Mix up one of these delicious orange juice and white wine cocktail recipes:
The Classic Mimosa
– 2 oz fresh orange juice
– 4 oz chilled sparkling wine or champagne
– Orange slice garnish
Mix orange juice and sparkling wine in a champagne flute. Garnish with orange slice.
Citrus Sangria
– 1 bottle sweet white wine like Riesling
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1⁄4 cup brandy (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Refrigerate 1-2 hours then serve over ice.
Grapefruit Wine Spritzer
– 1⁄2 cup grapefruit juice
– 11⁄2 cups dry white wine
– 1⁄4 cup club soda
– Grapefruit wedge garnish
Stir together juice, wine and club soda in a wine glass with ice. Garnish with grapefruit.
Peach Bellini
– 2 oz chilled Prosecco or other sparkling wine
– 1 oz peach nectar
Add peach nectar to a champagne flute, then carefully top with sparkling wine.
Orange Creamsicle Wine Cooler
– 1 oz vodka
– 2 oz orange juice
– 1 oz cream or milk
– 3 oz sweet white wine
– Orange slice
Shake vodka, juice, cream/milk with ice. Strain into ice-filled wine glass. Top with wine. Garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about mixing orange juice and white wine:
Why do people mix OJ and wine?
The orange juice sweetens dry wines and adds refreshing citrus flavor. The combo makes white wines taste fruitier and more approachable. It’s a tasty, summery drink.
What kind of wine goes best with orange juice?
Sweeter white wines work best, such as Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, dry Sauvignon Blanc, and lighter Chardonnays. Avoid oaky or very acidic wines.
Is mixing wine and orange juice good for you?
It has some benefits like added vitamin C and electrolytes. But the combination is high in sugar and alcohol, so enjoy in moderation. Skipping juices with added sugar is healthiest.
Can I use store-bought orange juice and wine?
Yes, you can use store-bought OJ, just try to get 100% juice without any added sugars, preservatives, etc. Freshly squeezed is ideal, but not essential.
How long does OJ last when mixed with wine?
Store it sealed in the fridge and it will last 5-7 days. At room temp, drink within 2-3 hours. The acidic orange juice helps preserve the mixture.
What’s the difference between a mimosa and a wine cooler with OJ?
A mimosa is made with sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco while wine coolers use still white wine. Otherwise, they’re very similar drinks.
Conclusion
While an unlikely pairing, orange juice and white wine combine to make a delicious, drinkable cocktail. The sweet citrus flavor livens up dry wines and creates a refreshing drink perfect for brunch or summer sipping. Just be mindful of the sugar and alcohol content. Mix up a mimosa, sangria or spritzer using a good sweet white wine and quality orange juice for a tasty blend. With the right balance, the juicy orange flavor beautifully complements the wine. Give this fun combo a try!