Blood orange liqueur is positively tantalizing. This sweet-tart harmony is incredibly versatile and can easily find its way into most cocktails. While it’s seen more prominently in colder months – simply because that’s when blood orange is in season and seems most fitting – there’s no need to shy away when it’s hot out. However, if you’re just starting to consider including this ruby hued liqueur in your libation rotation, you must peruse the guide below for some of the best recipes to get you started.
All the recipes here are quick and easy to make for yourself or simply relay to an unknowing bartender. Keep in mind, as a liqueur, a little goes a long way.
Blood Orange Boulevardier
If you only try one drink with blood orange, you’d be remiss for it not to include whiskey. The two are meant for each other. That’s why the first recipe recommendation is the Boulevardier. A classic whiskey cocktail in its own right, sensually elevated with the use of blood orange liqueur.
- 1 ½ oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz campari
- ¼ oz blood orange liqueur
- Orange slices (preferably blood orange, or twisted peels) as garnish
Add all ingredients (except garnish) in a mixing glass filled with ice, stir until combined and well-chilled, then either strain into a coupe or tumbler neat, or pour over one large ice cube in a rocks glass. Finish with garnish and serve.
If you want to get really fancy, you can flame the orange rind for a slightly smoky drink. Simply light a match and gently squeeze the rind over the drink, just before serving, to release the citrus oil so it can pass through the flame and descend upon the cocktail.
St. Clements Vodka Martini
While we’re thinking classy, a martini effortlessly slides in as the next recipe recommendation on our list. True, a traditional St. Clements consists of gin and orange juice, so some liberties are taken here. But we’re sure that once you’ve tasted this blood orange twist, you won’t mind the detour in the slightest.
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- ¼ oz blood orange liqueur
- 3 drops orange bitters
- Orange twist as garnish
Add ice cubes and all ingredients (except for garnish) into cocktail shaker, shake vigorously, then strain into a martini glass. Top with garnish and serve.
Gin Sour
For an incredibly vibrant, refreshing drink, a gin sour with blood orange liqueur is the way to go. This cocktail will hit the spot whether you’re in the dead of summer or needing a bright boost to liven up those dark, winter days. The addition of the egg white adds a beautiful, velvety texture and delicacy to round out this exquisite experience.
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ oz blood orange liqueur
- ¼ oz lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons egg white (or aquafaba if vegan)
- 3 dashes bitters (use bitters that are effervescent in nature as florals will help round out the citrus in this drink)
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds, stop to add ice, then shake again until well chilled. Strain into a rocks or coupe glass. Garnishing is optional as the foam already creates an aesthetic appeal.
Note: this drink will turn out very pink!
Blood Orange Margarita
If you need a margarita to take you from day to night, look no further. The blood orange liqueur adds just the right shade of the dark side to the traditional margarita while taking the flavor profile to all the right places.
- 1 ½ oz tequila blanco (or mezcal for a smokier rendition which pairs beautifully with blood orange)
- ¾ oz triple sec
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz campari
- ¼ oz blood orange liqueur
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- Salt for rim and blood orange peel for garnish
Salt the rim of a rocks glass and add ice. Add all ingredients except for garnish to a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into prepared glass, add garnish and serve.
Blood Orange Mojito
As if the mojito isn’t already a widely popular drink choice – and for good reason, it’s delicious – it’s nearly perfected with the use of blood orange liqueur. While some might question the synergy of mint and orange, just trust us, this recipe will eliminate all doubts.
- 8 sprigs of mint
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz light rum
- ½ oz blood orange liqueur
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 2 oz sparkling water
Add mint and lime juice to a tall glass and muddle together. Then, pour in rum, blood orange liqueur, and simple syrup, lightly stir. Top it off with sparkling water, ice, and serve immediately.
Final Reflections
5 recipes barely tap the surface to the blood orange liqueur possibilities. You could also add a splash to prosecco, sangria, a radler, and honestly, a plethora of other drinks. If you’re looking to mix up your typical order or if you’re a self-proclaimed, home mixologist, then incorporating this liqueur into your cocktails is simply a must.
And as with anything having to do with booze, don’t take it too seriously, new flavors and experimentation is half the fun. And we guarantee utilizing blood orange liqueur will not disappoint.