Are you looking for a new twist on an old favorite? Classic cocktails are so in right now, but why not kick it up a notch with this Blood Orange Martini?
The classic martini gets a vibrant makeover with fresh blood orange juice and premium Grey Goose vodka. This cocktail combines bright citrus notes with smooth vodka for a sophisticated drink that’s perfect for winter entertaining when blood oranges are in season.
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What Makes Blood Oranges Special?
Blood oranges stand apart from their conventional cousins with their distinctive deep crimson flesh and complex flavor profile. These unique citrus fruits offer an interesting blend of sweet and tart notes with subtle raspberry undertones and a hint of floral complexity. The signature red hue comes from anthocyanins – the same antioxidant compounds found in blueberries and red wine.
While available year-round in some locations, blood oranges peak during winter months, making this cocktail an ideal seasonal offering from December through March.
How to Make a Blood Orange Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz Grey Goose vodka
- 1 oz DeKuyper triple sec (recommended: Cointreau)
- 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
- Ice cubes
- Blood orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes
- Add Grey Goose vodka and triple sec
- Squeeze in fresh blood orange juice
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled
- Strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a blood orange slice
Essential Bar Tools
Before mixing your cocktail, ensure you have these quality tools on hand.
- Premium Cocktail Shaker Set: How gorgeous is this Barfly Copper 3-Piece Shaker?
- Professional Jigger: A jigger is a great way to measure your ingredients for a tasty and balanced cocktail every time. We like the OXO Steel Double Jigger.
- Citrus Juicer: This Zulay Citrus Juicer makes using fresh citrus a breeze.
- Martini Glasses: We love these Riedel Veritas Martini Glasses. Simple, yet so elegant.
Tips for the Perfect Pour
- Always use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the best flavor
- Chill your martini glass beforehand. 10 minutes in freezer works perfectly.
- Choose ripe blood oranges with deep red flesh for optimal color and flavor
- Strain well to ensure a smooth drinking experience
- For an extra elegant touch, flame an orange peel over the drink before serving
Selecting the Best Blood Oranges
Look for fruits that feel heavy for their size and have slight blush marks on the skin. The three main varieties you might encounter are:
- Moro: The darkest variety with the most intense flavor. Very sweet, almost berry-like.
- Tarocco: The sweetest variety, with notes of raspberry
- Sanguinello: Balanced sweetness with a perfect juice content. Strong hints of cherry or raspberry.
Make it a Mocktail
For a non-alcoholic version, combine:
- 2 oz blood orange juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 oz vanilla-scented simple syrup
- Soda water to top
- Garnish as above
Other Cocktails You Might Enjoy
- Blood Orange Moscow Mule – A modern twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
- Cocktails Inspired by 50 Shades of Grey – Several fun cocktails inspired by the movie series
- Mixed Berry Sangria – A refreshing twist on a tasty sangria
- Cotton Candy Kir Royale – Kick up this classically elegant cocktail with a fun surprise. (pictured above)
This cocktail works beautifully for winter gatherings, Valentine’s Day celebrations, or any occasion calling for a sophisticated twist on the classic martini. The deep ruby color makes it as visually striking as it is delicious.
