Vegetable-Orange Juice Cocktail

This chilled juice cocktail bridges the gap between a Bloody Mary mixer and a morning glass of OJ. Vegetable juice and frozen orange juice concentrate combine into something unexpectedly balanced: the tomato-savory base of the vegetable juice meets the bright sweetness of concentrated orange, and a few dashes of hot sauce tie them together.

Crushed basil is the ingredient that makes this more than just two juices mixed in a pitcher. It adds a subtle herbal note that smooths out the sharp edges of both the vegetable juice and the hot sauce.

Mix everything in a two-quart container and chill thoroughly. This needs to be ice-cold to taste its best. The flavors sharpen and the sweetness balances out as it chills.

Kitchen Tips

• Chill at least two hours: Warm, this tastes odd. Ice-cold, the flavors click into place.
• Use frozen OJ concentrate, not fresh OJ: The concentrate is sweeter and more intense, which balances the salty vegetable juice.
• Adjust the hot sauce to taste: Three dashes is mild. Add more if you like a spicier drink.
• Serve in chilled glasses for the best presentation and temperature.

Variations

• Brunch cocktail: Add a shot of vodka per glass for a savory, citrusy brunch drink.
• Celery garnish: Stir with a celery stalk and add a squeeze of lemon for a Virgin Mary vibe.