I’m not sure what it is but whenever I see a recipe post pop up in my editorial calendar, I have a mini-panic attack in my head about what I am going to write for said post.

I absolutely love creating the recipes and sharing them with all of you but the giant father-of-the-internet-search, Google, says I need to write something that goes along with the recipe.

I can’t just post the pretty pictures for you all to enjoy, sans blathering, because then the post would barely, if even, show up in a Google search. So yeah… there’s that.

Also, there is only so much to say about how delicious it is or the like. Instead, sometimes, I just talk about the randomness of my life or anything that’s not about the recipe and then it’s just at the end for you to enjoy.

I mean, no one really reads all the text that is in between the pictures anyway. And some people even make it perfectly clear with blog comments.

Anyway, enough of my random blathering… haha, see…. Not even about the recipe for the first 200 words. Ugh.

I have really begun enjoying trying my hand at making new and different cocktails for the blog. They are just so easy to photograph and most of the time they are also just so very beautiful.

Just like this blood orange bourbon smash you see here.

Blood oranges are one of my favorite citrus fruits to experiment with during the winter mainly because of the beautiful color they have. It does really make a gorgeous cocktail.

I’ve also recently taken more of a liking to bourbon. I’ve always been a fan of bourbon but more recently started drinking it more often.

So with the love of blood oranges, new love of a good bourbon, this blood orange bourbon smash was born.

What is Blood Orange Bourbon Smash?

The Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is a modern twist on the classic whiskey smash. Traditionally, a smash cocktail involves muddling fruit with sugar and spirits, resulting in a drink that’s both flavorful and easy to customize.

By incorporating blood oranges, this recipe adds a unique citrusy flair that sets it apart from the usual suspects. Blood oranges, known for their deep red color and sweet-tart flavor, bring a touch of sophistication and a burst of freshness to this cocktail.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Vibrant and Refreshing: The combination of blood orange juice and club soda makes this cocktail light and invigorating.
• Perfect Balance: The sweetness of the simple syrup complements the boldness of bourbon, while the citrus adds a zesty kick.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this cocktail in no time.
• Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, this drink fits the occasion.

Ingredients

• Blood Oranges: The star of the show, providing a vibrant color and a sweet-tart flavor.
• Simple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the bold flavors.
• Blood Orange Juice: Enhances the citrusy notes and adds depth to the cocktail.
• Bourbon: The backbone of the drink, offering warmth and complexity.
• Club Soda: Adds a refreshing fizz to the cocktail.

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Substitutions & Additions

Oranges or Tangerines: If blood oranges are unavailable, regular oranges or tangerines can be used as a substitute. While they won’t provide the same color, they’ll still deliver a delightful citrus flavor.

Honey Syrup: For a natural sweetener, replace simple syrup with honey syrup (equal parts honey and water).

Sparkling Water: If you prefer a lighter fizz, swap club soda with sparkling water.

Herbal Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.

How to Make this Recipe

Muddle the Blood Oranges: Begin by adding four slices of blood oranges and 1 ½ oz of simple syrup to a drink shaker. Muddle lightly to release the juices and oils from the orange slices.

Combine Ingredients: Fill the shaker halfway with ice, then pour in 6 oz of blood orange juice and 3 oz of bourbon.

Shake It Up: Shake the mixture vigorously for 30 seconds to ensure all the flavors meld together.

Serve: Pour the cocktail into two glasses filled three-quarters with ice. Top each glass with 2 oz (or more) of club soda.

Garnish: Add an extra slice of blood orange to each glass for a beautiful finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Choose Ripe Blood Oranges: Look for blood oranges that feel heavy for their size and have a deep red blush on their skin. This indicates they’re juicy and flavorful.

Chill Your Glasses: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glasses in the freezer before serving.

Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a bit more simple syrup to taste.

Experiment with Bourbon: Different bourbons can bring unique flavor profiles to the cocktail. Try a smoky or spiced bourbon for a new twist.

Serving Suggestions

Glassware: Serve the Blood Orange Bourbon Smash in a rocks glass or a short tumbler to showcase its vibrant color.

Garnishes: In addition to a blood orange slice, consider adding a twist of orange peel or a sprig of fresh mint for added flair.

Pairings: This cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers like bruschetta, cheese platters, or shrimp cocktails.

Storage Suggestions

While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the blood orange juice and simple syrup in advance. Store the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simple syrup can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic? Yes! Replace the bourbon with a splash of pomegranate juice or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a mocktail version.

What’s the best way to juice blood oranges? Use a handheld citrus juicer or a reamer to extract the maximum amount of juice.

Can I use bottled blood orange juice? Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor, but high-quality bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

How can I make this cocktail for a crowd? Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything in a large pitcher. Add club soda just before serving.

What’s the difference between blood oranges and regular oranges? Blood oranges have a deeper red color and a more complex, tangy flavor compared to regular oranges.

The Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is a cocktail that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink. With its vibrant color, refreshing fizz, and perfectly balanced flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your cocktail repertoire.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this drink is guaranteed to impress.