Love and Olive Oil
The Antioxidant (Aperol & Tangerine Cocktail)

The Antioxidant (Aperol & Tangerine Cocktail)

The Antioxidant cocktail recipe (Vodka, Aperol & Tangerine Cocktail)

Cocktail making is perhaps an under-appreciated art. While it seems simple, finding that perfect balance between ingredients is no easy task.

This bright and citrusy vodka-based cocktail recipe features a quadruple dose of citrus, including fresh orange juice, lime juice, tangerine syrup, and Aperol (an Italian apertif made from bitter oranges). With that much citrus it’s no wonder they call it The Antioxidant. I mean, this thing could kill a cold with fire.

Literally.

The Antioxidant cocktail recipe (Vodka, Aperol & Tangerine Cocktail) from Carnival Cruiselines

Any drink that comes with it’s own flaming orange peel HAS to be good.

The trick to this fiery finish is a simple squeeze. The fresher your orange peel is, the more volatile the oils are, and the bigger and brighter the flame will be. Warm the peel near the flame for a few seconds, then give it a quick squeeze, making sure to aim towards the top of the glass (where the ignited spray will settle on the top of the drink). Then rub the spent peel around the outer rim of the glass for an extra pop of flavor as you sip.

The Alchemy Bar aboard the Carnival Sunshine

The Antioxidant can be found on the menu at The Alchemy Bar, a vintage pharmacy-themed bar aboard the Carnival Sunshine, where the drinks are specifically tailored to whatever ails you. Listed under the “Fountain of Youth” category on the menu, the Antioxidant is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated, albeit slightly wobbly (or was that the boat? I couldn’t really tell.)

Mixology class at the Alchemy Bar aboard the Carnival Sunshine

As part of our onboard activities during our recent cruise, we got to sit in on a mixology glass with one of Alchemy’s expert mixologists, Ioana. We learned to make this drink (along with 2 others) as well as acheive the “flaming twist” garnish that makes this drink as entertaining as it is delicious. I think I may have squeeked the first time the fire nearly engulfed my hand (ok, the orange fireball wasn’t quite THAT BIG, but it’s still rather shocking to see that much energy come from a small piece of orange peel.)

Mixology class at the Alchemy Bar aboard the Carnival Sunshine

It’s quite remarkable, really, how much of a difference a flamed orange peel can make in a drink, versus just a plain one. That’s also true for other garnishes, as we also set some cinnamon and rosemary on fire for another drink that honestly-to-goodness tasted just like Christmas. They definitely like their fire at Alchemy, which is the only place on the entire ship where open flames of this kind are allowed (and that includes the kitchens).

The Antioxidant Cocktail (made with vodka, Aperol, orange juice, & tangerine syrup) from Carnival's Alchemy bar

In addition to three unique cocktail recipes, the class also gave us a new appreciation of the careful thought and effort that goes into making one. Before this, Taylor was pretty much anti-vodka anything, and other than maybe an Old Fashioned or Julep, was not a fan of cocktails in general. But this class opened our eyes, and I can see ourselves turning more often to the cocktail menus to see just what unique concoctions they’ve created.

Especially if they involve fire.

The Antioxidant Cocktail

The Antioxidant Cocktail

Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces Skyy vodka
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange or tangerine juice
  • 3/4 ounce tangerine syrup
  • 1/2 ounce Aperol
  • 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • orange peel, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  • Combine vodka, orange juice, tangerine syrup, aperol, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover and shake vigorously until chilled throughout. Strain into cocktail glasses.
  • For garnish, hold a two-finger-wide strip of orange peel with outside of peel facing glass. Hold a lighter or match just in front of the peel and allow to warm for 10 seconds. Quickly squeeze the peel to release the flammable oils (watch your eyebrows!) Rub peel around edge of glass and serve.

Recipe from Carnival Sunshine’s Alchemy Bar.

All images and text © / Love & Olive Oil

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Disclosure: Thank you to Carnival® for inviting us on this amazing cruise. As always, all opinions written are purely our own. We’re incredibly grateful for opportunities like these that allow us to continue sharing delicious experiences with you, so thank you for supporting us and the brands we love.

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18 Comments

  1. I’m not finding tangerines to make the syrup. Can I use Mandarin oranges for the syrup, juice and peel? I found a peach syrup to try as well. 

  2. This looks so good! And that flame shot? Beautiful!

  3. Yum! What a drink! Those photos are amazing too!

  4. I’m so happy to see Aperol becoming more and more popular in the US. This cocktail looks amazing….perfect for Fall afternoons!

  5. This is so cool!! That flame shot is amazing! 

  6. This is such a cool cocktail! I love the photo with the flame – this looks like a drink that both tastes good and looks beautiful.

  7. I’m not ashamed to admit that I stalked your Carnival Foodie Instagram photos. Everything looked so amazing, but especially your time at Alchemy. Love the name, the idea, and how you describe the menu!

  8. What a lovely drink and totally love the flame shot.

  9. What a impressive drink. Unfamiliar with the two flavor ingredients to start with.
    I LOVE the color. And that flaming finish oh my gosh!!!!!!!

  10. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! 

  11. Gorgeous drink, I like the tangerine flavor better than orange.

  12. Wah, that looks awesome! Looks like I really need to gain some new cocktail skills…. :)

  13. This is so cool! I’m loving the flaming orange peel.. And am suddenly feeling like I need some extra antioxidants in my life :)

  14. That is one fancy cocktail, and fiery! 

  15. Gorgeous cocktail! And so much fun to light it on fire :)

  16. I definitely don’t make enough cocktails. This one sounds fun!

  17. This is so cool, Lindsay! That flame photo is amazing. I probably would have squeeked too!

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