With winter upon us, one of my favorites of the citrus season are blood oranges. They are slightly sweeter, a little tart and have the most beautiful color to them. They are absolutely my favorite of all citrus and I truly didn’t know this love, until I moved to Southern California.
For my money, I find that out of all citrus fruits a blood orange lends itself the best to juices, cocktails and other drinks. And the beautiful vibrant hue present in any cocktail crafted with it, makes it that much more appealing and special.
Like all tasty food, a good cocktail is as much about how beautiful it looks and smells, as it is the incredible taste. Blood oranges, although a winter citrus, for me always bring to mind a hint of summer, a reminder of the warmer, sunnier times.
This simple, flavorful cocktail is a wonderful treat for winding down a cold, wintery day with just a little bit of sparkle and sunshine!
This recipe was originally shared on the Free People Blog BLDG 25
[print_this]Blood Orange Bourbon Sparkler
serves 2
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Ice cubes
- Prosecco or other sparkling wine
- Fresh mint & orange wedges (slices or zest), for garnish
Options:
Add 2 teaspoons all-natural sweetener, like maple syrup or agave, if desired
Opt for sparkling water instead of wine, if you’d like
Instructions:
Add the blood orange juice, the bourbon and ice (and sweetener if you’re using it) to a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake shake shake.
Strain into two glasses and top with the sparkling wine, garnish with fresh mint and an orange wedge, slice or zest. [/print_this]
2 Responses
I totally feel you on the blood oranges. They always remind me of summer. So much so that whenever they come out I think it’s too early. And then I remember that they aren’t a summer fruit. 😛
Beth, I made these for the superbowl and I think this is one of the best cocktails of all time. YUM!