Orange Bliss: A Citrus Tour

By: Carolyn Hall | July 26, 2024
dime store orange juice

Photo courtesy of Dime Store

Metro Detroit is home to a variety of flavors to excite any palate. Among these, orange-infused drinks and dishes stand out for their bright, refreshing, and sometimes tangy profiles. These citrus notes are especially popular in cocktails, but stand out in savory dishes as well. Here’s a spotlight on some of the best orange offerings from local hotspots…

CAFE SOUS TERRE

445 West Forest Avenue, Detroit

Cafe Sous Terre is a stand-out coffee spot, but its cocktails and French offerings are noteworthy too. Here, the Orange Spritz is a must-try. This bright and refreshing carbonated cocktail combines vodka, white wine, clarified orange juice, and syrup to create a perfectly crisp drink. Another is the Jasmine Old-Fashioned, a seasonal menu offering made with bourbon, jasmine, oolong, coconut oil, bitters, and of course, oranges. Pair these with the house olives, a quiche, or a sweet treat to end your day. 

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orange spritz from cafe sous terre
Photo courtesy of Cafe Sous Terre

SYLVAN TABLE

1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Table, known for its farm-to-table approach, offers a range of drinks and dishes that highlight seasonal and local ingredients. One dinner entree stands out: the grilled pork tenderloin. The flavor profile of the carnitas braised with kohlrabi and radish, toasted buckwheat, orange, and anise come together beautifully. As for beverages, the Fremch Fashioned is a great choice with citrus bitters, and Strawberries on a Summer Evening is the perfect non-alcoholic option with cream, Lyre’s Pink London, Seedlip Grove 46, lime, orange, agave, vanilla, and a balsamic reduction. 

SUPERGEIL

2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit

Supergeil is a trendy spot in Detroit, offering dishes and drinks inspired by German and Turkish roots. You can find a variety of orange-infused items on their menu, ranging from cinnamon date rolls or olives for brunch to beet and carrot salads with clementines and sea bass with orange citronette (Bronzino). As for cocktails, you can find mimosas, painkillers, and It’s A Beautiful Morning, featuring vodka, blood orange, lemon, and rose hibiscus soda for brunch. Supergeil is a great spot to explore the versatility of this citrus fruit in both drinks and plates. 

BARDA

4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit

Barda, known for its unique approach to Argentinian cuisine, offers trout crudo, paired with beets, an orange, and pink peppercorn. The citrus not only enhances the flavor of the trout but also adds a delightful brightness to the dish. Other entrees are excellent as well, like the chicken with charred pineapple and pickled red onion or the portobello with a white bean purée and celery salad. Complement your meal with one of Barda’s expertly crafted cocktails, like Yungas, featuring spiced pear liqueur, orange aperitif, orange sumac, and lime. 

THE JACKSON

184 North Adams Road, Rochester Hills

At The Jackson, each dish and drink is crafted with an artistic touch, much like the “abstract expressionist masterpieces of their namesake, Jackson Pollock,” shares The Jackson team. Co-owner and Head Chef Justin Vaiciunas brings his award-winning expertise to the table, creating a dynamic and captivating dining experience, while co-owner and Sommelier Michael Mauro curates the beverage program, ensuring each sip harmonizes with the cuisine. As for the cocktails, there is a variety of orange-infused drinks that pair with the curated menu, including the Michigan Maple (bourbon), Our Time In Dallas (tequila), and Here Fishy Fishy with orange juice and rum. 

fishy cocktail from the jackson
Photo courtesy of The Jackson

DIME STORE

719 Griswold Street, Detroit 

Dime Store is a brunch favorite in Detroit, offering creative dishes that are both delicious and unique. Owner/Operator Ann-Marie Murphy shares, “Our menu is known for creative dishes like the Duck Bop Hash and the Cheesesteak Benny. To complement our in-house menu, we offer a full bar with craft beer, wine, and classic cocktails. Guest favorites include our Orange Creamsicle, made with Detroit’s own Faygo Orange Pop.” The Orange Creamsicle, in particular, is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, perfectly capturing the essence of orange in a creamy, fizzy drink. It features vodka, vanilla, cream, orange, juice, and pop. If you’re looking for an alternative brunch beverage, the mimosas are also a great choice. 

orange creamsicle from dime store
Photo courtesy of Dime Store

BAD LUCK BAR

1218 Griswold Street, Detroit

For a high-end cocktail experience, head to Bad Luck Bar. The menu features several orange-infused drinks, ranging from bitters to twists and orange wafer cookies, like the Bhramari cocktail. Each is meticulously crafted to perfection, combining notes of citrus with the liquor of your choice. The mixologists at Bad Luck Bar are known for their creativity, and their use of orange as a key ingredient adds a vibrant and zesty note to their sophisticated signature cocktails.

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