The best citrus colognes are a bit like a twist dangling from a martini: Between the bitter peel and the tart juice, there’s a whole universe of good smells to enjoy. Citrus essences—that is, lemon, bergamot, orange, lime, grapefruit, and so on—cast an optimistic, bright mood wherever they go. (Complete tangent, but did you know all the citrus varieties we know are hybrids of just a few wild species?)
There are two ways to play this. If you prefer to nod to seasonality with your scents, then save the citrus-forward ones for spring and summer, when those optimistic notes complement picnics, beach days, and long weekends. But many guys find citrus consistently provides the uplifting first impression you want your scent to deliver, which is also why this family of scents is frequently a front-runner when picking a year-round daily-driver cologne.
Whether you’re if you’re in the market for a warm-weather changeup, or a new every-day main squeeze that will brighten the next winter gloom, then consider our favorite citrus fragrances below—there’s not a sour one among the bunch.
The Best Citrus Colognes, According to GQ
Best Citrus Cologne Overall: Chanel Bleu de Chanel EDT
Few colognes are as iconic as Bleu de Chanel, and when something smells this good, it makes sense that it would grace the nostrils of so many. It offers what you’d expect from something that’s citrus forward—bright, clean, zesty—while being complemented by something a little more on the dark and earthy side, like cedar and sandalwood. Bleu is arguably one of the most universally beloved scents, inoffensive to all and certainly one worth a spritz.
Best Office-Friendly Cologne: Acqua di Parma Colonia EDC
Acqua di Parma
Colonia EDC
The key to a good office scent is that it makes you smell good, but your deskmate won’t go to HR in the hopes that they can put as much distance between your scent and their nose as possible. For something that’ll actually make people want to work with you, give Colonia a try. Its eau de cologne designation means it’s on the lighter end of the aroma spectrum, hitting you with bright notes of bergamot and subtle, yet lovable, rose. This classic scent has all the makings of your next go-to spritzer, though we can’t promise you a promotion will be on the horizon just because you smell this good.
Best Woody-Citrus Cologne: Mancera Cedrat Boise
Mancera Paris
Cedrat Boise Mini EDP
“Cedrat Boise” means “citron and woody,” which give you the foundation of Mancera’s beloved scent. It opens on bitter Sicilian lemon and crisp bergamot, and is rooted by cedar and sandalwood. But it’s the supporting cast that is most exciting and surprising here, with fruity, spicy, and leather undertones that together give Cedrat Boise a lovable sternness.
Best Long-Lasting Citrus Cologne: Le Labo Bergamote 22
Bergamote 22 is one of the more endearing scents we’ve ever encountered. Sharp bergamot and bitter grapefruit give the scent its grand opening, before softening into fresh petitgrain. It’s like having an invigorating bite of grapefruit in the morning, while letting yourself enjoy the final few sips of coffee before it’s time to get on with your day. Lingering notes are vetiver, amber, and musk, though the crispy citrus element is remarkably-long-lasting.
Best Spicy-Citrusy Cologne: Lumira Soleil du Maroc
Lumira
Soleil du Maroc EDP
Lumina’s Soleil de Maroc is a candidate for your perennial signature scent, particularly if you live in a moderate climate. This scent imagines the sunrise over Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, a burst of lime and lemongrass to energize the morning, spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, then carried out by rich oud, cedar, and musk. It is both calming and alluring, and manages to warm the senses without falling out of season.
Best Unisex Citrus Cologne: Calvin Klein CK Everyone
Calvin Klein
