Whiskey Blood Orange Smash Recipe

Name: Whiskey Blood Orange Smash
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated white sugar; 1 cup water; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup; 4 ounces blood orange juice; 1 ounce whiskey; 2 ounces ginger beer; fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

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This whiskey blood orange smash is one of the best winter cocktails. Fresh blood orange juice is mixed with rosemary infused simple syrup and whiskey, then topped off with fizzy ginger beer.

clear glasses with blood orange cocktail and rosemary garnish — whiskey blood orange smash cocktail

I have never been much of a whiskey drinker, but my husband is. In the last few years, I have tried to experiment with different whiskey drink ideas and it's starting to win me over. Whiskey is a very warming drink that is perfect for winter. This blood orange cocktail exudes all of the flavors reminiscent of winter; fresh rosemary, winter citrus, and ginger.

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🍊 Ingredient notes
🥃 Step by step instructions
⭐ Top tip
💭 Frequently asked questions
🥃 More Cocktail Recipes
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

🍊 Ingredient notes

Simple syrup - homemade simple syrup is a great way to infuse extra flavor into drinks or baked goods. It's is a 50/50 mix of sugar and water that simmered on the stovetop until the sugar is dissolved. It can be infused with fruit or herbs, like fresh rosemary for this recipe.
Blood orange juice - If you can get fresh squeezed blood orange juice for this recipe, I highly recommend it! Blood oranges can usually be found in most grocery stores during the wintertime. Some grocery stores will also sell it bottled too!
Whiskey - I recommend using a bourbon whiskey because it tends to be sweeter and mild and pairs with the other flavors perfectly.
Ginger beer - Not actually beer, this sweet and spicy drink is similar to ginger ale and can be found in the soda or mixer aisle. You can use ginger ale if you aren't able to locate it, but it will be a bit sweeter. Ginger beer has a stronger ginger flavor to it.

🥃 Step by step instructions

To make the rosemary simple syrup - combine your sugar, water, and fresh rosemary in a small pot on the stovetop and heat it until it starts to boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the rosemary sprig and pour it into a container and allow it to cool completely.

fresh rosemary boiling in sugar water — fresh rosemary infused simple syrup

Next, you will juice your blood oranges if you are using fresh oranges.

blood orange half that has been juiced — juiced blood orange

Then, combine your rosemary simple syrup, blood orange juice, and whiskey in a cocktail shaker filled about ¾ of the way with ice. Shake everything together and then strain into a clean glass.

cocktail shaker pouring a drink into a glass — straining cocktail into a clean glass

Top with ginger beer, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and enjoy!

blood orange cocktail with fresh blood orange half — blood orange cocktail with whiskey

If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.

⭐ Top tip

Make sure to shake your cocktail for at least 30 seconds. Not only does it chill the drink perfectly, but it also helps to emulsify the ingredients together for the best texture and taste!

💭 Frequently asked questions

How long does simple syrup last?

Homemade simple syrup once cooled and stored in a clean air tight jar or container will last in the fridge for up to 1 month.

🥃 More Cocktail Recipes

If you enjoyed this whiskey blood orange smash cocktail, check out these other tasty cocktail recipes.

Don't Forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.

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