Orangatang

The Orangatang is a straightforward, two-ingredient mocktail for when you need something bright and refreshing without the booze. It’s a quick fix of citrus and tart fruit, perfect for designated drivers, daytime events, or anyone looking for a simple, non-alcoholic pour. No fuss, just juice, blended for a smooth finish. It’s a reliable order when you want something fruity and light.

Orangatang

4.43 from 42 votes

Calories: 27kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Cup(s) Orange Juice
▢ 1 Cup(s) Cranberry Juice

Instructions

▢
Place all ingredients in a blender jar. cover. and whiz on medium speed until well blended. Pour into a collins glass. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 27kcal (1%)Carbohydrates: 6g (2%)Sugar: 6g (7%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

This simple juice blend likely has no formal origin story or specific inventor. It’s a common bar call, a classic ‘what do you have that’s not alcoholic and fruity’ request, evolving organically as bartenders mixed available juices. Think of it as a default for those not drinking, rather than a meticulously crafted cocktail with a storied past.

As a mocktail, it sits in the broader category of fruit juice blends. It’s a close cousin to a Virgin Cranberry Kiss or a simple Orange Cranberry Spritzer, but without the soda. Its simplicity, relying on just two juices and a quick blend, sets it apart from more complex non-alcoholic concoctions that often feature syrups or muddled ingredients.

You’d typically find or serve an Orangatang at casual brunches, poolside bars, or family-friendly gatherings where a refreshing, non-alcoholic option is a must. It’s a reliable choice when you want something more interesting than plain water or soda, without the commitment of a full cocktail.

What it tastes like

Expect a bright, sweet start from the orange juice, quickly followed by the sharp, tart counterpoint of cranberry. The blending process gives it a smooth, slightly frothy texture, making it feel a bit more substantial than just stirred juice. The finish is clean and fruity, leaning towards the cranberry’s distinctive tang.

Since the Orangatang is made entirely of fruit juice, it contains 0% ABV. This means it has no alcohol content whatsoever, making it significantly less boozy than even the lightest beer or any standard cocktail. It’s a completely alcohol-free option.

The technique

Building an Orangatang is about as straightforward as it gets. Combine equal parts orange juice and cranberry juice in a blender. Give it a quick whirl on medium speed until the liquids are fully integrated and a light froth appears on top. Pour it into a chilled Collins glass and serve it up. No stirring or shaking needed here, just a quick blend.

The key technique for this drink is the blending itself. Don’t just stir the juices together. A quick blend aerates the drink, giving it a smoother, slightly frothy texture that feels more substantial and enjoyable than flat juice. Skipping this step means a less integrated, less appealing mouthfeel for your simple juice blend.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Orange Juice

Use: Freshly squeezed or a high-quality, not-from-concentrate bottled orange juice. Look for brands with minimal added sugar and a bright, natural flavor.
Skip: Frozen concentrate or ‘orange flavored drink’ mixes. These often have artificial flavors and too much sugar, making the drink cloying and flat, and lacking genuine citrus character.
Why: Orange juice forms the sweet, citrusy base of the Orangatang. Its natural sweetness and bright flavor are essential for balance against the tartness of the cranberry, making up half the drink’s volume.

Cranberry Juice

Use: 100% cranberry juice or a good quality cranberry blend, ideally unsweetened or lightly sweetened. Brands like Ocean Spray 100% Cranberry are fine.
Skip: Overly sweet cranberry ‘cocktail’ drinks that are mostly corn syrup and water. These will throw off the balance and make the drink too sugary, losing the tart counterpoint.
Why: Cranberry juice provides the necessary tartness and a touch of bitterness to cut through the orange’s sweetness, giving the Orangatang its distinctive, refreshing tang and vibrant color.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Sparkling Orangatang

A fizzy twist: Add an equal part of club soda or sparkling water after blending the juices for a lighter, effervescent drink. Stir gently to combine before serving.

Boozy Orangatang

Add a spirit: Turn this mocktail into a low-ABV cocktail by adding 1.5 to 2 ounces of vodka, white rum, or gin before blending. It makes for a simple, fruity highball.

Tropical Orangatang

A touch of the tropics: Substitute half the orange juice with pineapple juice for a more exotic, sweeter profile. A splash of grenadine can also add color and a hint of berry sweetness.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Orange Juice?

Try pineapple juice or mango juice for a sweeter, tropical spin. Grapefruit juice would work for a tarter version, but dramatically changes the profile.

No Cranberry Juice?

Pomegranate juice offers a similar tartness and color. Raspberry or cherry juice can also work, bringing a different berry note to the blend.

No blender?

You can stir the ingredients vigorously with a spoon or whisk for a few seconds. It won’t be as frothy, but it will still be well mixed and refreshing.

No Collins glass?

Any tall glass, like a pint glass or a highball glass, will serve the drink just fine. A simple water glass works in a pinch if that’s all you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Orangatang?

The Orangatang contains two simple ingredients: orange juice and cranberry juice, blended together.

Is an Orangatang alcoholic?

No, a standard Orangatang is a mocktail, meaning it contains no alcohol whatsoever.

What does an Orangatang taste like?

It tastes like a refreshing blend of sweet citrus from the orange and tart, slightly bitter berry notes from the cranberry, with a smooth, frothy texture.

Can I make an Orangatang ahead of time?

You can pre-mix the juices, but it’s best to blend and serve immediately to enjoy the froth and freshest flavor. It loses its texture if left to sit.

How do I make my Orangatang colder?

Chill both juices thoroughly before blending. You can also add a few ice cubes to the blender with the juices for an even colder, slightly slushier drink.

Can I add ice to an Orangatang?

Yes, you can blend it with ice for a slushier texture, or serve it over fresh ice in the glass. It’s a great way to keep it cold.

What kind of orange juice should I use for an Orangatang?

Use fresh squeezed orange juice if possible, or a high-quality, not-from-concentrate bottled juice for the best, most natural flavor.

What kind of cranberry juice should I use for an Orangatang?

Opt for 100% cranberry juice or a pure cranberry blend to get the right tartness without excessive sweetness from added sugars.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read