Paul Kushner
The Blood Orange Vodka Spritz is a bright, refreshing cocktail with a bold citrus kick and a bubbly finish. Made with vodka, blood orange juice, and a splash of sparkling water or prosecco, it’s smooth, slightly tart, and not too sweet. The blood orange adds a rich color and deeper citrus flavor than your standard orange, giving the drink a little more character without complicating things. It’s easy to mix and perfect for brunch, happy hour, or any time you want a drink that feels fresh and light. Serve it over ice with a slice of orange for a clean, crisp sip.
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Tasting Notes
The Blood Orange Vodka Spritz is a refreshing and herbaceous citrus drink that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and aromatic notes. The blood orange juice provides a vibrant, slightly tangy sweetness, while the rosemary-infused simple syrup adds a warm, earthy depth. Vodka creates a smooth, neutral base, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine, and club soda brings a light effervescence for a crisp, refreshing finish. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a blood orange slice, this cocktail is elegant, aromatic, and ideal for slow sipping.
Equipment and Glassware
To make the Blood Orange Vodka Spritz, you’ll need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients, a jigger for precise measurements, and a strainer to ensure a smooth pour. A highball or rocks glass works best for serving, and a small saucepan will be useful for making the rosemary-infused simple syrup. A sharp knife and cutting board are also needed for slicing the blood orange garnish.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz blood orange juice
- ½ oz rosemary-infused simple syrup
- 2 oz vodka
- Club soda to top
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
- Blood orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the blood orange juice, rosemary-infused simple syrup, and vodka. Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
- Pour and Top: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Top with club soda, adding as much or as little as you like, depending on your preferred strength.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of blood orange. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the most vibrant flavor and color.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure a well-mixed and chilled drink.
- Adjust the club soda ratio based on preference—less for a stronger cocktail, more for a lighter and spritzer feel.
- For a smokier herbal note, lightly torch or char the rosemary sprig before garnishing.
- Swap vodka for gin if you want more botanical depth.
When to Serve
The Blood Orange Vodka Spritz is a versatile drink, perfect for elegant gatherings, dinner parties, brunches, or seasonal celebrations. The rich citrus notes make it an ideal cocktail for late winter and early spring, when blood oranges are in peak season. The herbal warmth from the rosemary also makes it a cozy yet refreshing choice for fall and holiday get-togethers.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For a smooth, clean vodka, go with Tito’s, Grey Goose, or Belvedere. If substituting with gin, options like Hendrick’s or The Botanist will add a complementary herbal complexity. Fresh, high-quality blood oranges will yield the best juice, and homemade rosemary syrup is recommended for the freshest, most aromatic infusion.
Similar Cocktails
- Blood Orange Paloma
- Blood Orange Cosmopolitan
- Blood Orange Vodka Sour
- Sparkling Blood Orange Margarita
- Blood Orange Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz blood orange juice
- ½ oz rosemary-infused simple syrup
- 2 oz vodka
- Club soda to top
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
- Blood orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the blood orange juice, rosemary-infused simple syrup, and vodka. Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
- Pour and Top: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Top with club soda, adding as much or as little as you like, depending on your preferred strength.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of blood orange. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the most vibrant flavor and color.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure a well-mixed and chilled drink.
- Adjust the club soda ratio based on preference—less for a stronger cocktail, more for a lighter and spritzer feel.
- For a smokier herbal note, lightly torch or char the rosemary sprig before garnishing.
- Swap vodka for gin if you want more botanical depth.
