I think it goes without saying that blood oranges are much prettier than their standard orange counterparts. When it comes to flavor, however, the general consensus is that blood oranges actually tastes a lot like standard oranges.
But, that is beside the point. I believe that blood oranges taste better than all other oranges, but this belief is based purely on aesthetics. The vibrant, blood red flesh of a blood orange has so much allure and appeal. (You could even say that it’s a sexy fruit?) And, for this reason alone, I am of the opinion that blood oranges taste better than other oranges.
It might be shallow, but it’s true.
So, thank goodness for blood orange season and all the culinary possibilities that come with it. I’ve been making up blood orange cocktails for the past few weeks, and I think this one has emerged as the favorite. It’s simple, refreshing, and lovely. It’s blood orange and bourbon…what’s not to like?
BLOOD ORANGE & BOURBON COCKTAIL
Adapted from Love & Lemons
Serves 1, scale accordingly
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice (strain to remove pulp and seeds)
3-5 tablespoons bourbon (depends on how boozy you want it)
1 teaspoon simple syrup
3-4 drops of Angostura bitters
1 large ice cube
garnishes: blood orange slices & sprigs of mint
METHOD:
Place a few ice cubes into a cocktail shaker and pour blood orange juice, bourbon, and simple syrup over the ice. (Feel free to throw in a muddled mint sprig as well.) Shake for 30-60 seconds, or until drink is cold.
In a rock glass, place one over-sized ice cube. Using the shaker lid, strain and pour the cocktail into the glass. Shake a few drops of bitters into the cocktail, and gently stir. Garnish with mint and a slice of blood orange. Enjoy immediately (and responsibly!).
Um, can I have one of those NOW please? Like, in front of me on my desk? Cause that would TOTALLY make my day better.
Just come to portland, Jacqueline, and I’ll make you one of these fancy cocktails! :)
I love blood oranges and am convinced they taste better than regular oranges. Tho I’d probably fail a taste test!
Me too! I’m quite sure they taste the same (but in my head blood oranges are so much better!)
Very nice, thanks – we varied this as follows with good results: 2oz juice, 1oz bourbon, 0.5oz Aperol, 0.5 tsp agave syrup, dash Angostura bitters
[…] First up are three beautiful cocktails featuring blood oranges– one of my favorite winter citrus fruits. Blood oranges are smaller, raspberry tinted oranges that appear in late winter and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most delicious: Smitten Kitchen has a great Blood Orange Margarita to bring some sunshine in her late-winter New York life. We also have here a pretty-in-pink Blood Orange Gin Sparkler from 101 Cookbooks, a pretty and lightly-colored cocktail for warmer afternoons. Finally, a cocktail featuring bourbon (one of my favorite wintertime libations) and our gorgeous pink citrus: a Blood Orange Bourbon Cocktail from Rosemarried. […]