On a recent stop at Costco to get a few basics, I spotted a huge bag of Cara Cara oranges and immediately added it to my cart. If you’ve never had a Cara Cara, honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me. It’s citrus season, yes, but they’re a bit harder to find at the store this time of year compared to other varieties, at least where I live in the Northeast. After a little research, I learned that Cara Caras are in the same family as the more common navel variety, and first originated as a mutation on a navel tree at Hacienda Cara Cara in Venezuela.
also great for snacking
Cara Caras are super sweet, juicy, and have the prettiest blush-colored flesh that’s a little darker than a grapefruit, but not quite as red as a blood orange. The flavor is almost berry-like with no bitterness. They are so good.
The other day I was coming in from a brisk walk, and decided to mix a simple cocktail using a whole Cara Cara, Campari, and sparkling water. I love the resulting bittersweetness and refreshing fizz, and this is now my new winter drink of choice. And, as a bonus, it turns out that Cara Caras have a higher percentage of vitamins A and C compared to navels. I always find that juicing an entire piece of citrus is just messy enough that I’m (usually) satisfied with a single drink. But considering the health benefits, I’m more than happy to juice several to make this festive cocktail. Salud.
* death star ice cube mold optional
Makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients
1 Cara Cara orange
2 ounces Campari or other bitter orange liqueur
Bitters
Sparkling water (something in the citrus family is nice like grapefruit, but I’ve also used tart cherry and lime and it was quite lovely)
Directions
Use a peeler to remove a thumb-sized piece of zest from the orange (try to avoid the pith).
Juice the orange and strain the juice to remove pulp.
Pour juice and Campari into a glass and add a dash of bitters.
Add one large ice cube or a handful of cubes.
Top with sparkling water and zest.