Paul Kushner
Blood orange cocktails are known for their striking color and rich, citrus flavor. Blood oranges have a deep red hue and a taste that blends sweet orange with hints of berry, giving drinks a unique twist. They pair beautifully with a range of spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and tequila, making them versatile for many styles of cocktails. These drinks can be bright and refreshing or smooth and slightly tart, depending on the mix.
Perfect for brunch, happy hour, or special occasions, blood orange cocktails bring both flavor and visual appeal, turning an ordinary drink into something bold and memorable.
Blood Orange Margaritas
Blood Orange Margaritas combine tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, triple sec, and optional jalapeño syrup for a tart citrus drink with gentle sweetness and optional heat. Blood orange gives the glass a deep red-orange color, while lime keeps the finish sharp. Serve it over ice with a salted rim for brunch, dinners, or parties. Make it when you want a margarita with fresh citrus flavor and a richer fruit note for your guests tonight.
Blood Orange Margarita
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preparing your glass. Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in salt or sugar to coat.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, and agave nectar to the shaker.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a lime wedge.
Aperol Blood Orange Sour
Aperol Blood Orange Sour mixes Aperol, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and egg white for a bittersweet citrus cocktail with a smooth, foamy top. Aperol brings orange bitterness, while blood orange adds deeper fruit and lemon keeps the finish sharp. Dry shake first, then shake again with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Finish with a blood orange wheel for brunch, cocktail hour, or dinner when you want something tart and lightly bitter overall.
Aperol Blood Orange Sour
Ingredients
Method
- Add Aperol, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and egg white to a shaker (no ice).
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to build a strong foam.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a blood orange wheel.
Blood Orange Negroni
Blood Orange Negroni combines gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and blood orange juice for a bittersweet cocktail with citrus, herbs, and deep fruit flavor. The juice softens the classic bitterness without hiding the gin or vermouth. Stir everything with ice, then strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Add a blood orange slice for a simple finish. Serve it before dinner or during evening gatherings when you want a fruitier take on a classic Negroni.
Blood Orange Negroni
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing glass, combine gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and blood orange juice over ice.
- Stir until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Aperol Blood Orange Gin Mule
Aperol Blood Orange Gin Mule combines gin, Aperol, blood orange juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and ginger beer for a citrusy drink with light bitterness and spicy fizz. Gin adds herbal notes, while blood orange and agave soften the sharper lime. Shake the base ingredients with ice, strain over a large cube, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with a blood orange slice and serve at brunch, parties, or relaxed evenings with friends this season.
Aperol Blood Orange Gin Mule
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, Aperol, blood orange juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Add a large ice cube to the serving glass.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a blood orange slice.
- Enjoy your refreshing Aperol Blood Orange Gin Mule!
Blood Orange Hot Honey Margarita
Blood Orange Hot Honey Margarita combines tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, hot honey syrup, and egg white for a tart, spicy cocktail with a silky foam finish. Blood orange brings sweet citrus and deep color, while hot honey adds warmth and gentle heat. A pinch of salt sharpens the flavors. Serve it over ice with an orange twist for happy hour or evening gatherings when you want a margarita with citrus, spice, and texture.
Blood Orange Hot Honey Margarita
Ingredients
Method
- Shake: Add tequila, lime juice, blood orange juice, hot honey syrup, and a pinch of salt to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Top with Blood Orange Hot Honey Foam and orange peel
Blood Orange Bourbon Lemonade
Blood Orange Bourbon Lemonade combines bourbon, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a tart, fruit-forward drink with warm whiskey depth. Blood orange adds sweet citrus and berry-like notes, while lemon keeps the finish sharp and clean. Serve it over ice in a rocks glass with blood orange and lemon slices. It works well for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or weekend happy hours when you want a bright bourbon cocktail with seasonal citrus.
Blood Orange Bourbon Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Squeeze the blood orange and lemon to get fresh juice. Measure out all your ingredients.
- Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice.
- Shake It Up: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a slice of lemon.
Blood Orange Lemon Drop Martini
Certain cocktails instantly feel festive the second they hit the table, and the Blood Orange Lemon Drop Martini definitely falls into that category. Between the vibrant ruby-orange color, sparkling sugar rim, and bold citrus flavor, this drink has a way of making even casual evenings feel a little more special. The first time I made one was during winter citrus season, and honestly, I ended up making a second batch before dinner even started because everyone kept asking for another round.
Blood Orange Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients
Method
- Rim a martini glass with lemon juice and then dip it into sugar to coat the rim thoroughly. Set aside.
- In a shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice, covering the liquid.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The shaking not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly, which is essential for smoothing out the flavors.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass to avoid ice shards in your drink.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange on the rim or float a thin wheel inside the drink.
Blood Orange Sidecar
Discover the bold flavor of a Blood Orange Sidecar. Refresh your evenings with this vibrant, easy recipe.
Blood Orange Sidecar
Ingredients
Method
- Optionally, rim a cocktail glass with sugar. To do this, moisten the rim with a blood orange wedge and dip it in sugar. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the blood orange juice, cognac or brandy, Grand Marnier, a dash of orange bitters, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a wedge of blood orange.
Blood Orange Mimosa
Brighten up brunch with a refreshing Blood Orange Mimosa. Easy to make and perfect for impressing guests.
Blood Orange Mimosa
Ingredients
Method
- Squeeze the blood oranges to get about 2 ounces of fresh juice. Make sure to strain out any pulp for a smoother drink.
- Pour the blood orange juice into a champagne flute.
- Slowly top off the glass with 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco or champagne. Pour gently to maintain the bubbles.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a fragrant and elegant touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Blood Orange Mimosa.
Blood Orange Vodka Spritz
Craft a refreshing Blood Orange Rosemary Cocktail that combines citrus and herbs. Try this easy recipe today.
Blood Orange Vodka Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
Blood Orange Gin and Tonic
Mix up a Blood Orange & Tonic for a refreshing drink. Enjoy the bold citrus flavors. Try this recipe now.
Blood Orange Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour blood orange juice into the glass.
- Add gin.
- Add lime juice.
- Add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
- Fill the rest of the glass with tonic water, about 4-6 ounces depending on your preference.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange or a twist of lime peel.
- Enjoy your refreshing Blood Orange & Tonic cocktail.
Blood Orange Martini
Refresh your taste buds with a Blood Orange Martini. Try this simple recipe and enjoy a delicious cocktail.
Blood Orange Martini
Ingredients
Method
- Ensure you have all ingredients measured and ready.
- In a shaker, combine the ½ oz of simple syrup with 1 oz of warm water. Stir until the simple syrup is fully dissolved.
- Add the vodka, blood orange juice, and triple sec to the shaker with the honey mixture.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange on the rim of the glass.
- Your Blood Orange Martini is ready to be enjoyed. Sip and savor the vibrant flavors.
Blood Orange Rum Sour
Try the refreshing Blood Orange Rum Sour. Rich rum, tangy citrus, and silky egg white make a perfect drink.
Blood Orange Rum Sour
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients (rum, lemon juice, blood orange cordial, and egg white) in a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a twist of blood orange peel or a slice of blood orange on the rim.
Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
Enjoy a refreshing Blood Orange Bourbon Smash. Mix up this bold and balanced cocktail today.
Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Squeeze fresh blood oranges to get 2 ounces of juice. Measure out the maple syrup, bourbon, and ginger beer.
- Mix: In a cocktail shaker, combine the blood orange juice, maple syrup, and bourbon.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top Off: Add the ginger beer to the glass and stir gently.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a slice of blood orange or a twist of blood orange peel.
- Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Blood Orange Bourbon Smash.
Blood Orange Old Fashioned
Try a refreshing Blood Orange Old Fashioned tonight. Perfect for whiskey lovers.
Blood Orange Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Glass:
- Place a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass. This will chill the drink slowly, allowing gradual dilution which is perfect for sipping.
- Mix the Drink:
- 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, vibrant twist that makes this Old Fashioned uniquely refreshing.
- Stir the Drink:
- 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 and Serve:
- 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.
- Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, citrus-infused take on the traditional Old Fashioned.
Blood Orange Gin Fizz
Try this refreshing Blood Orange Gin Fizz recipe. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy and delicious to make.
Blood Orange Gin Fizz
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, fresh blood orange juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
- Shake the mixture vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds. This helps to emulsify the egg white, giving the cocktail a frothy texture.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top off the cocktail with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Blood Orange Vodka Lemonade
Enjoy a refreshing Blood Orange Vodka Lemonade. Try this easy recipe for a zesty, citrusy cocktail.
Blood Orange Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a highball or tall glass with ice cubes.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
- Top off with club soda or sparkling water to your liking.
- Garnish with blood orange slices, lemon slices, and a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Blood Orange Vodka Lemonade.
Blood Orange Amaretto Sour
Try a Blood Orange Amaretto Sour—tart, sweet, and smooth. Mix one up today for a refreshing drink.
Blood Orange Amaretto Sour
Ingredients
Method
- Chill a glass: Begin by chilling your cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add the lemon juice, blood orange juice, amaretto liqueur, bourbon, and simple syrup (if using).
- Shake well: Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Strain & serve: Empty the ice water from your chilled glass if you used it. Then, strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a thin slice of blood orange and a cocktail cherry.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your Blood Orange Amaretto Sour.
Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail
Try a bold Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail with smoky flavors and a citrusy kick. Follow this easy recipe today.
Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine the blood orange juice, Mezcal, and agave syrup. Shake well to mix the ingredients.
- Pour: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the ice.
- Top with Tonic: Add tonic water to top off the cocktail.
- Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
- Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail.
Blood Orange Vodka Sour
Try this refreshing Blood Orange Vodka Sour recipe. Enjoy the perfect balance of citrus and smooth vodka.
Blood Orange Vodka Sour
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Your Shaker: Add the blood orange juice, vodka, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
- Dry Shake: Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to froth the egg white.
- Add Ice: Open the shaker, add ice, and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish: Add a few dashes of orange bitters on top and garnish with a slice of dehydrated blood orange.
Blood Orange Rosemary Cocktail combines vodka, blood orange juice, and rosemary simple syrup for a tart, herbal drink with gentle sweetness. Blood orange gives the glass a rich red-orange shade, while rosemary adds a piney aroma that works well with the citrus. Serve it chilled or over ice with a rosemary sprig for holiday dinners, brunch, or evening gatherings. Make it when you want a vodka cocktail with fresh fruit and a clear herbal note.
Ingredients for 1 drink
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1¼ oz fresh blood orange juice
- ¼ oz rosemary simple syrup
- 1 oz club soda
- Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
