Orange Whip recipe
A creamy, citrus-forward retro classic blending rum, vodka, orange juice, and rich cream.
Method: Shake and strain ·
Glass: Collins glass ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: Tiki & Tropical
Ingredients
- 1 oz Light gold rum (lightly aged)
- 0.75 oz Vodka (unflavored)
- 0.75 oz Triple sec (orange liqueur)
- 2 oz Fresh orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1.5 oz Heavy cream (chilled)
How to make a Orange Whip
- Add light gold rum, vodka, triple sec, fresh orange juice, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds to thoroughly chill and emulsify the cream.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled collins glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry before serving.
Garnish
Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry.
Pro tip
Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to ensure the heavy cream achieves a smooth, frothy texture without separating. Using freshly squeezed orange juice rather than bottled nectar provides essential brightness that cuts through the rich dairy.
History of the Orange Whip
The Orange Whip gained widespread cultural fame following its memorable appearance in the 1980 film *The Blues Brothers*, though its actual origins trace back to Orange Whip Corporation booths at mid-century American state fairs and sporting events. Originally formulated as a non-alcoholic frothy orange beverage, bartenders during the 1970s and 1980s began spiking the popular dairy-and-citrus base with rum, vodka, and triple sec. While often credited as a cinematic invention of Hollywood craft services, historical beverage records indicate the drink was already a staple regional novelty across the Midwest before achieving immortal pop-culture status on screen.
Flavour profile
Creamy, Citrusy, Sweet, Tropical
Variations
- Tropical Whip — Substitute coconut rum and pineapple juice for a more distinctly island-inspired profile.
- Midnight Whip — Add a quarter ounce of coffee liqueur or dark rum float for a richer, mocha-orange depth.
Practise making the Orange Whip in the free Virtual Bar game.