Blood Orange Gin Cocktail

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Fragrant and botanical gin is one of the stars of the show in this blood orange gin cocktail. Fresh blood orange juice is combined with sugar and rosemary to make an easy and flavorful simple syrup. Gin, lime juice, the blood orange simple syrup and a little club soda pair together beautifully in taste and looks for this refreshing cocktail.

a blood orange gin cocktail in a clear and gold cocktail glass with a garnish of an orange slice and rosemary sprig

What are blood oranges?

This refreshing cocktail begins with blood oranges. Typically in season from December through early to late spring, blood oranges range in color from ruby red and deep purple to vibrant pink.

Blood oranges are sweeter and slightly less tart than typical oranges. Lime juice is used in this blood orange gin cocktail to produce a little more tartness and contrast to the blood oranges.

I've also used blood oranges in my blood orange tart and blood orange semifreddo with salted almond crumble.

How to make blood orange simple syrup

Making your own simple syrup for cocktails is an easy way to customize a cocktail. Simple syrups can be infused with so many different flavors. Check out my winter old fashioned recipe for a spiced simple syrup.

A typical simple syrup is one part water to one part sugar. Combine those in a saucepan and heat until simmering and the sugar melts. Let the simple syrup cool and that's it.

For this blood orange simple syrup, instead of water, we use blood orange juice. Combine blood orange juice, sugar and a couple rosemary sprigs in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir until the syrup is simmering and the sugar has dissolved. Allow the simple syrup to cool completely and then remove the rosemary and discard it.

Strain the simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

blood orange gin cocktails on a silver and gold tray with a cocktail shaker

What is gin?

Gin is a clear alcohol made from juniper berries. It's distilled from malt or grain and then the juniper berries are added along with other botanicals and herbs.

Juniper berries have citrus notes which is why gin is such a good pairing with citrus flavors. Gin is a more complex liquor and has a more distinct taste compared to vodka.

How to make the cocktail

Once the blood orange simple syrup has cooled, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. For one cocktail, add two ounces of gin (I like Hendrick's Gin), and ounce of the blood orange syrup and a ½ ounce of fresh lime juice.

Shake it up until the cocktail shaker is cold and then pour it over ice into a rocks glass. Top it with a little splash of club soda and then garnish it with a blood orange slice and a sprig of rosemary.

FAQs

Can I use any type of gin?

Yes! Use whatever gin you prefer. I've already mentioned Hendrick's Gin as one of my favorites. Other types to try out are The Botanist or Aviation Gin.

Can I use a different herb than rosemary?

Rosemary and blood orange go really well together but thyme would be a great substitute for the rosemary. For a more summery feel, you could use mint or basil.

Can I use orange juice instead of blood orange juice?

Blood oranges are definitely unique and can be a little difficult to find at certain times of the year. If you can't get your hands on some blood oranges, you could definitely make this cocktail with a regular orange. Another good substitute would be Cara Cara oranges if you can find those.

blood orange gin cocktail sitting on a gold and silver drink tray

For more cocktails, check out:

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