There are some cocktails that are perfectly fine, and then there are the ones you make once and immediately start thinking about the next time you can have one again. This Blood Orange Bourbon Sour falls squarely into that second category.

It has that classic sweet-tart bourbon sour energy, but the blood orange gives it something a little extra. The flavor feels deeper, a little moodier, and just right for winter when citrus season is doing its best work.

If you ever end up with a few leftover blood oranges in the fridge after making other seasonal cocktails, this is exactly the kind of recipe worth reaching for. It is simple, balanced, and just fancy enough to feel special without being fussy.

What is a Blood Orange Bourbon Sour?

A Blood Orange Bourbon Sour is a seasonal twist on the classic bourbon sour cocktail. It combines blood orange juice, bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice for a drink that lands in that perfect sweet-and-tart middle ground.

What makes this version stand out is the blood orange itself. It brings a richer citrus flavor than a standard orange, along with that beautiful deep color that makes the cocktail feel a little more dramatic in the glass. Paired with bourbon and brightened with lemon, it turns into a smooth, refreshing sipper that still feels cozy enough for cooler weather.

It is the kind of cocktail that looks impressive, tastes balanced, and comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Perfectly balanced: The sweet and tart flavors play really well together, so nothing feels too sharp or too sugary.
• A great seasonal cocktail: This is a smart way to use blood oranges when they are in season and at their best.
• Simple ingredients: You only need blood orange juice, bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, and a garnish or two.
• Quick to make: Once your citrus is juiced, the rest comes together in a cocktail shaker in no time.
• Beautiful presentation: That rich blood orange color, plus a cherry and orange slice, makes this one feel extra special.
• Easy to repeat: If this becomes your go-to winter cocktail, I would not blame you one bit.

Ingredients

• Blood orange juice: The star of the drink. It gives the cocktail its citrusy brightness, gorgeous color, and seasonal personality.
• Bourbon: Brings warmth, depth, and that smooth backbone that makes the whole drink feel grounded.
• Simple syrup: Softens the tartness and helps round everything out.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and keeps the cocktail from leaning too sweet.
• Maraschino cherry: A simple garnish that adds a classic cocktail finish.
• Blood orange slice: Optional, but it makes the drink look polished and ties the garnish back to the flavor.
• Large ice cube or sphere: Helps keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.

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Substitutions & Additions

If you have fresh blood oranges, that is a great place to start. According to the original post, about 1/2 to 1 full ripe blood orange should give you the 1 ounce of juice you need.

If you cannot find fresh blood oranges, refrigerated blood orange juice works too. That option is especially helpful when the fruit is harder to track down.

For garnish, keep it simple with a maraschino cherry and a slice of blood orange if you have one on hand. Those little finishing touches make the cocktail feel complete without adding extra work.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by juicing fresh blood oranges until you have 1 ounce of blood orange juice. If your fruit is especially ripe and juicy, you may only need about half of one orange. If blood oranges are not available, you can use pre-made blood orange juice from the refrigerated juice section.

Add the 1 ounce blood orange juice, 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce simple syrup, and 1 ounce lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker about halfway with ice, then cover and shake for 30 seconds to chill the drink and combine everything well.

Place 1 large ice cube or sphere in a rocks glass, then double strain the cocktail over the top. Finish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of blood orange if you have one. Serve right away while it is cold and bright.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use ripe blood oranges if possible: They will give you the best color and flavor.
• Juice right before mixing: Fresh citrus keeps the drink tasting lively and balanced.
• Shake the full 30 seconds: That extra time helps chill the cocktail properly and brings the ingredients together.
• Use one large ice cube: It keeps the drink cold while slowing down dilution.
• Double strain for a smoother pour: It gives the finished cocktail a cleaner feel in the glass.
• Taste your blood oranges as you go: Some fruit will be sweeter or tarter than others, so the final drink may shift slightly depending on what you are working with.

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail is right at home in a rocks glass with a single large ice cube. Garnish it with a maraschino cherry and a blood orange slice for a simple presentation that still feels a little elevated.

It is an especially nice drink for winter happy hours, cozy weekends at home, or anytime blood oranges are in season and you want something citrusy without reaching for the usual margarita or mimosa route. Because it has both brightness and warmth, it works well before dinner or as a slow, easy sipper at the end of the night.

Storage Suggestions

This cocktail is best served immediately after shaking. That is when the flavor is brightest and the temperature is just right.

If you are getting things ready ahead of time, the easiest prep step is simply juicing your blood oranges before you mix the drink. Once everything is shaken and poured, though, it is meant to be enjoyed right away.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use bottled or pre-made blood orange juice? Yes. If fresh blood oranges are hard to find, the original post notes that pre-made blood orange juice from the refrigerated section works as an alternative.

How many blood oranges do I need for this cocktail? You need 1 ounce of blood orange juice, which should take about 1/2 to 1 ripe blood orange.

What kind of glass should I use? A rocks glass works best, especially with one large ice cube or sphere.

What garnish goes on a Blood Orange Bourbon Sour? A maraschino cherry and a slice of blood orange are the recommended garnishes.

When is the best time to make this cocktail? This is a great winter sipper and an especially good recipe to make when blood oranges are in season.

If you love a cocktail that feels equal parts classic and seasonal, this Blood Orange Bourbon Sour is an easy one to keep in rotation. It has the familiar structure of a bourbon sour, but the blood orange gives it a fresh twist that feels a little more special.

It is simple to shake up, beautiful in the glass, and exactly the kind of drink that makes the most of winter citrus season. Whether you are making one for yourself at the end of the day or serving it to friends, it is the kind of cocktail that does not need much to make an impression.