Blood orange adds a fresh twist to a whiskey classic without taking away what makes an Old Fashioned so good. The bourbon stays front and center, while maple syrup brings a smooth sweetness and blood orange juice adds a tart citrus note. The result is bold, balanced, and easy to sip.

I love this drink because it feels familiar but still has enough personality to stand out. The maple syrup works naturally with bourbon, and the orange bitters help connect the citrus to the deeper oak and caramel flavors in the whiskey. A slice of orange and a maraschino cherry give the glass a classic finish.

This Blood Orange Old Fashioned works well for dinner parties, weekend drinks, or quiet evenings when you want something a little different from the standard version. It is simple to build right in the glass, which also makes it a good choice when you do not want extra cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This

The Blood Orange Old Fashioned keeps the strong, simple character of the classic cocktail while adding a softer fruit note and a touch of maple sweetness. It is easy to make and has just enough citrus to feel fresh without turning into a juice-heavy drink.

Easy to build in the glass: No shaker is needed.
Balanced sweetness: Maple syrup adds flavor as well as sweetness.
Fresh citrus flavor: Blood orange juice gives the drink a tart, fruity edge.
Flexible whiskey choice: Bourbon or rye both work well.
Great for sipping: A large ice cube keeps the drink cold with slow dilution.
Simple garnish: Orange and cherry make it look finished with almost no effort.

It is a good option for anyone who likes Old Fashioneds but wants a fruit-forward version that still tastes like whiskey.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this cocktail plays an important part. Bourbon gives the drink its rich base, maple syrup softens the edges, and blood orange juice brings acidity and fruit. Bitters tie everything together and keep the sweetness in check.

1 1/2 ounces Bourbon you can also use Rye Whiskey
2 teaspoon Maple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters you can also use Angostura Bitters
1/2 ounce Blood Orange Juice
Orange Slices and Maraschino Cherries for garnish

Bourbon is the softer option, with caramel and vanilla notes that work well with maple syrup. Rye gives the drink more spice and a slightly drier finish.

Maple syrup adds more depth than plain sugar or simple syrup. A little goes a long way, so two teaspoons are enough to round out the drink without making it overly sweet.

Blood orange juice adds a tart citrus flavor with a little natural sweetness. Fresh juice is ideal when blood oranges are in season, but bottled juice can work too.

Orange bitters reinforce the citrus profile, while Angostura bitters bring more spice and herbal character.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

A balanced bourbon works best here because the other ingredients already bring plenty of flavor. You want a whiskey that can hold its own without overpowering the citrus.

Maker’s Mark: Soft and slightly sweet, with vanilla and caramel notes that pair well with maple.
Buffalo Trace: Balanced and approachable, with enough spice to support the citrus.
Woodford Reserve: Richer and more oak-forward for a stronger bourbon presence.
Four Roses Small Batch: Fruity and lightly spicy, which fits nicely with blood orange.
Rittenhouse Rye: A good choice if you want a drier and spicier version.
Regular orange juice: If blood orange juice is not available, regular orange juice can work, though the flavor will be milder.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail is simple and does not require much equipment.

A large ice cube works best because it melts more slowly than several smaller cubes. That helps keep the drink cold while limiting dilution.

If you do not have a cocktail pick, you can place the orange slice and cherry directly in the glass.

How to Make It

The Blood Orange Old Fashioned is built directly in the serving glass, which makes the process quick and simple. Stir gently so the flavors blend without breaking down the ice too quickly.

Place a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass. This will chill the drink slowly, allowing gradual dilution which is perfect for sipping.
In the glass, add the bourbon, or rye whiskey. This forms the robust base of the cocktail.
Add 2 teaspoons of maple syrup. This not only sweetens the drink but also adds a smooth, rich flavor that complements the bourbon.
Include 2 dashes of orange bitters, or Angostura if you prefer a spicier touch. Bitters help to balance the sweetness of the syrup and the citrus note of the blood orange juice.
Pour in 1/2 ounce of blood orange juice for a tart twist that makes this Old Fashioned uniquely refreshing.
Stir the mixture gently in the glass to combine all ingredients thoroughly. This melds the flavors while keeping the integrity of the ice cube intact.
Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail stick or simply place them in the drink.
Give the cocktail one last gentle stir to release the oils from the orange garnish into the drink, enhancing its aroma and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, citrus-infused take on the traditional Old Fashioned.

If the drink tastes too sweet, reduce the maple syrup slightly next time. If you want more citrus, add another small splash of blood orange juice.

Pro Tips

A few small choices can make a big difference in a simple cocktail like this.

Use a large ice cube. It keeps the drink cold without watering it down too fast.
Taste the blood orange juice first. Some oranges are sweeter or more tart than others.
Use real maple syrup. It blends better and has more depth than pancake syrup.
Stir gently but thoroughly. You want the ingredients blended without causing too much dilution.
Try rye for more spice. Rye makes the drink drier and gives it a stronger bite.
Use fresh citrus when possible. Fresh blood orange juice usually gives the best flavor.
Do not overdo the garnish. One orange slice and one cherry are enough.
Chill the glass first. This helps the drink stay cold a little longer.

Once you have the basic ratio down, it is easy to adjust the cocktail based on your taste. A little less maple makes it drier, while an extra dash of bitters adds more spice.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize while keeping the same Old Fashioned structure.

Rye Blood Orange Old Fashioned: Use rye whiskey for a drier, spicier drink.
Smoked Blood Orange Old Fashioned: Add a light smoke treatment to the glass before serving.
Spiced Maple Version: Use Angostura bitters and add a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
Grapefruit Old Fashioned: Replace blood orange juice with fresh grapefruit juice for a sharper citrus profile.
Lower-Alcohol Version: Reduce the whiskey slightly and add a small amount of chilled black tea for extra body.

You can also experiment with different bitters, including aromatic, orange, or cardamom bitters.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Blood Orange Old Fashioned works well through fall and winter when citrus is especially welcome, but it can be served any time you want a fruit-forward whiskey drink.

It is a good fit for:

Dinner parties
Holiday gatherings
Weekend drinks
After-dinner cocktails
Bourbon tasting nights
Small get-togethers

For food, pair it with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, glazed ham, sharp cheeses, roasted nuts, or dark chocolate desserts.

It also works well alongside cocktails like a Maple Old Fashioned, Orange Bourbon Sour, or Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail. These give you a range of whiskey drinks with fruit, citrus, and warm flavors.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best made fresh because it is built directly over ice. The fresh citrus and slow dilution are part of what makes the drink work.

If you want to prepare several servings ahead of time, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and blood orange juice in a sealed bottle or pitcher and keep it refrigerated.

For four servings, use:

6 ounces bourbon
8 teaspoons maple syrup
8 dashes orange bitters
2 ounces blood orange juice

Stir the mixture well before serving, then pour each portion over a large fresh ice cube.

Add the orange slice and maraschino cherry only when you are ready to serve so the garnish looks fresh.

If you are using fresh blood orange juice, it is best to use it soon after squeezing for the cleanest flavor.

FAQs

What does a Blood Orange Old Fashioned taste like?

It has the strong whiskey character of a classic Old Fashioned with a softer sweetness from maple syrup and a tart citrus note from blood orange juice.

Can I use rye instead of bourbon?

Yes. Rye gives the drink more spice and a drier finish. Bourbon makes it smoother and slightly sweeter.

Can I use regular orange juice?

Yes. Regular orange juice works, but it will not have the same tart and slightly berry-like flavor that blood orange brings.

What bitters should I use?

Orange bitters work best if you want to highlight the citrus. Angostura bitters are a good substitute and bring more spice.

Can I use simple syrup instead of maple syrup?

Yes, but the drink will taste lighter. Maple syrup adds a deeper sweetness that pairs especially well with bourbon.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

Yes. Mix everything except the ice and garnish, then refrigerate. Pour over fresh ice when ready to serve.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like the Blood Orange Old Fashioned, these cocktails offer similar whiskey, citrus, and sweet flavor combinations.

Maple Old Fashioned: A simple bourbon cocktail sweetened with maple syrup.
Orange Bourbon Sour: A citrus-forward variation that keeps the classic whiskey base.
New York Sour: Bourbon, citrus, and sweetness in a brighter and more tart style.
Maple Cranberry Bourbon: Tart cranberry pairs well with the sweeter side of bourbon and maple syrup.
Spiced Old Fashioned: Warm bitters and spices give the classic drink a deeper seasonal flavor.

Each one keeps whiskey at the center while changing the balance of fruit, sweetness, or spice.