The Anti-Oxidant Cocktail (often just called The Antioxidant) is a bright, citrusy vodka-based drink popularized on Carnival Cruise Line’s Alchemy Bar. It’s marketed under their “Fountain of Youth” category for its refreshing, vitamin C-packed profile from multiple citrus elements—hence the playful “antioxidant” name.
Ingredients (makes 1 cocktail)
- 2 oz vodka (Skyy or similar; some versions use Tito’s)
- 1 oz fresh orange or tangerine juice
- Âľ oz tangerine syrup (or substitute with simple syrup + a bit of tangerine zest)
- ½ oz Aperol (the Italian aperitif made from bitter oranges, adding bittersweet depth and color)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Garnish: orange peel (expressed over the glass or flamed for extra aroma)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel—rub the outside around the rim for a burst of citrus oils.
Taste profile
Light, refreshing, and balanced—sweet-tart citrus with a subtle bitter edge from the Aperol. It’s vibrant orange in color and feels like a grown-up, less-sweet screwdriver with herbal notes.
Popular Variations
- Blood Orange version — Swap in or add fresh blood orange juice for deeper color and slightly berry-like flavor (common in restaurant adaptations).
- Cranberry twist — Use cranberry-infused vodka and a strawberry garnish for extra berry antioxidants and tartness.
- Simpler version — Some recipes reduce or omit the flavored syrup, using just a dash of simple syrup and fresh juices.
The drink is easy to batch for parties and works well as a daytime or brunch option due to its fresh, not-too-heavy profile. Aperol gives it a beautiful sunset hue and ties into the “antioxidant” theme through its orange base.Note: While the citrus ingredients do provide some natural vitamin C and plant compounds, it’s still an alcoholic cocktail—any “health” angle is mostly fun marketing. Enjoy responsibly!
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