Not to knock the delicious boozy lemonades of summer, but citrus fruits are really at their peak in winter. From Meyer lemons to navel oranges to tangelos, they’re prime for the juicer right now. And none is as tantalizing as the blood orange. With its gorgeous ruby hue and sweet-tart taste, blood orange juice pairs well with almost any liquor, liqueur or bubbly. Here are 18 blood orange cocktail recipes that will bring a burst of sunshine to your taste buds right now.
1. Blood Orange Rosemary Screwdriver: If you tend to overlook the humble screwdriver at cocktail hour, it’s time to give it a second chance. Nothing could be simpler to make… yet more surprisingly delicious than the right combo of cold crisp vodka with sweet-tart blood orange juice. (via Heather Christo)
2. Blood Orange Elderflower Gin Cocktail: Made with the *moro* variety of blood orange — that’s the super-crimson ones — this little sipper is subtly sweet with the vibrancy of elderflower liqueur. As pretty to look at as it is to drink, it would make a great signature cocktail at a winter wedding or bridal shower. (via The Little Epicurean)
3. Blood Orange Cosmopolitan: In its heyday in the ’90s, the Cosmo had all the seductive appeal of Sex and the City. It’s time our fave throwback cocktail had a revival. This version goes technicolor with a vibrant splash of blood orange that’s a perfect wake up call for Sunday brunch with the girls. (via Supergolden Bakes)
4. Blood Orange Negroni: Blood orange juice is not only deliciously sweet, juicy and tart, it’s also quite dramatic. Just taste how it turns this simple Negroni cocktail into something extra special. Bookmark this red hot recipe for Valentine’s Day; trust us. (via Feasting at Home)
5. Blood Orange Martini: These blood red martinis are made of vodka and triple sec, topped off with bubbly rosé for an added pop. They’re the perfect sipper to kick back with during aprés ski. (via Cooks With Cocktails)
6. Blood Orange Mint Gimlet: When cabin fever makes it hard to see your glass as half full, just stir up a batch of these citrus chillers to brighten up your weekend. Between the oranges and the mint, it’s like getting an early whiff of spring. (via Hungry Couple)
7. Blood Orange Gin Martini: If you thought gin was your grandma’s drink, you’ve got to check out some of the artisanal small-batch brands. The aromatics in many pair so well with the tartness of blood oranges. (via Wilde Orchard)
8. Blood Orange Bourbon Smash: Think of blood orange season as the universe’s way of allowing you to drink ruby-red bourbon cocktails in winter. Now, mix up a batch of these next Friday happy hour at your place and you’ll be everyone’s BFF. (via How Sweet It Is)
9. Blood Orange Moscow Mule: If you love ginger beer — and who doesn’t? — you’ll dig this blood orange version of the Moscow Mule. It’s easy to make, and SO impressive to whip up when friends suddenly drop by. (via Blahnik Baker)
10. Blood Orange Rosemary Gin Cocktail: This gin cocktail is extra special, thanks to homemade blood orange bitters and rosemary sugar cubes, but you can easily substitute whatever you have on hand. Just don’t forget your camera because this one is Insta-irresistible. (via Rhubarbarians)
11. Blood Orange Sparkling Vodka: If you’ve been searching for a reason to finally take a crack at making tarragon simply syrup, this recipe is it. The sparkling cooler incorporates the herb syrup with sweet-tart blood oranges and the cool burn of vodka. (via Local Haven)
12. Blood Orange Cardamom Bubbly: This Champagne cocktail tastes like your favorite mimosa, made extra special with a dollop of vanilla-cardamom syrup. It may sound crazy, but there’s a definite hint of boozy *creamsicle* in every sip. (via By Gabriella)
13. Blood Orange Gin and Tonic: Imagine a gin and tonic, sweetened with a squeeze of blood orange juice and a jigger of thyme syrup. The sprig of thyme brings with it the fresh evergreen scent of the great outdoors — without you having to leave your cozy chair by the fire. (via Lonny)
14. Blood Orange Margaritas: These oranges are perfect for margarita making. You don’t even need a mixer like Triple Sec, because the fruit is so citrusy and sweet that just a dash of agave syrup will do the trick. (via Eat, Drink, Love)
15. Blood Orange Mimosa Pitcher Cocktail: This pitcher drink is easy-peasy to make and perfect if you’re serving a crowd, say, at your next brunch. You can squeeze the oranges ahead of time, but wait to open the bubbly until you’re ready to serve to preserve all the pop and fizz. (via The Kitchn)
16. Pomegranate and Blood Orange Tequila Spritzer: For your next cocktail party, consider an impressively tall cooler. A glug of sparkling water fills the glass and gives it a festive fizz that takes the edge off the booze. A sugar rim is the pièce de résistance that ensures every drink looks like a little party in a glass. (via Creative Culinary)
17. Blood Orange Whiskey Sour: A homemade whiskey sour is the mark of a true mixologist. Break this one out when you’ve got a sophisticated palate to impress — maybe it’s even yours. (via Brooklyn Homemaker)
18. Blood Orange Ritz Old-Fashioned: The true Ritz Old Fashioned is finished with a twist of lemon, but in the twistiest of twists, this one calls for blood red orange. (via Supergolden Bakes)
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