Blood Orange Old Fashioned

A twist on the classic cocktail, the Blood Orange Old Fashioned adds a fruity depth to the whiskey and bitters base.

side view of old fashioned.

The Blood Orange Old Fashioned is a spin on the traditional Old Fashioned, a whiskey cocktail dating back to the 1800s. This updated version adds blood oranges to the mix. It imparts a distinctive citrus taste and vibrant hue, setting it apart from its classic counterpart.

Blood oranges have a unique flavor profile compared to regular oranges. Their orange juice boasts a deep red hue, rich in sweetness and tartness. When combined with bourbon and bitters, blood oranges create a harmonious blend in this updated classic cocktail.

old fashioned.

Ingredients:

Find the ingredient amounts listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here is a rundown of what you need for this enticing bourbon cocktail.

  • Bourbon or Rye Whisky. Either is a great choice for an old-fashioned, but for this one I used bourbon. It has a caramel-like flavor and smoother mouthfeel than other whiskeys.
  • Blood orange juice. The blood orange juice provides a sweet, tangy flavor and stunning color.
  • Granulated sugar. For a touch of sweetness.
  • Angostura bitters. Classic bitters that add depth to the cocktail.
  • Big ice cube. A large ice cube minimizes the surface area, keeping your drink chilled without watering it down.
  • Garnish. A blood orange slice or orange peel for a simple presentation.

Equipment needed

Muddler: To muddle the sugar, juice, and bitters together in the glass.

Rocks glass: A sturdy, short glass with a wide rim to enjoy the cocktail’s aroma

Method

Add blood orange juice, sugar, and bitters to an old-fashioned glass.

stirring sugar in a glass of blood orange juice.

Use a cocktail stirrer to mix until most of the sugar has dissolved.

bourbon poured over ice.

Place a big ice cube in the glass, then pour over the bourbon. Stir gently.

Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

birds eye view of blood orange slice.

Variations and substitutions

  • Switch the blood orange juice for normal orange juice.
  • Replace the bourbon with your favorite whiskey or smoky mezcal for a unique flavor.
  • Add a dash of orange bitters for an extra layer of citrus complexity.
Yield: 1

Blood Orange Old Fashioned

glass of blood orange old fashioned.

A twist on the classic cocktail, the Blood Orange Old Fashioned adds a fruity depth to the whiskey and bitters base.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura orange bitters 
  • 3/4 oz (20ml) blood orange juice 
  • 2 oz (60ml) of bourbon or rye whiskey
  • Large ice cube

Instructions

  1. Add blood orange juice, sugar, and bitters to an old-fashioned glass. Use a cocktail stirrer to mix until most of the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Place a big ice cube in the glass, then pour over the bourbon. Stir gently.
  3. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 163Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 0g

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