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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Whiskey Blood Orange Smash

    Published: Feb 9, 2021 · Modified: Feb 27, 2021 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    whiskey blood orange cocktail with rosemary garnish
    fresh blood orange squeezed for whiskey cocktail

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 🍊 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.

    • Grapefruit Elderflower Cocktail
    • Cranberry Christmas Moscow Mule
    • Spicy Honeydew Basil Margarita

    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.


    📖 Recipe

    two whiskey glasses with blood orange cocktail garnished with fresh rosemary

    Whiskey Blood Orange Smash

    Amanda
    Whiskey Blood Orange Smash is one of the best whiskey cocktails for winter. Fresh blood orange juice is mixed with rosemary infused simple syrup and whiskey, then topped off with fizzy ginger beer.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 141 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Rosemary Simple Syrup

    • 1 cup granulated white sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 sprig fresh rosemary

    Whiskey Blood Orange Smash

    • 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
    • 4 ounces blood orange juice
    • 1 ounce whiskey
    • 2 ounces ginger beer
    • fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

    Instructions
     

    Rosemary Simple Syrup

    • Combine sugar, water, and rosemary in a small pot over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low to allow the mixture to boil gently for 5-7 minutes. The simple syrup is done when the sugar has completely dissolved and is a light yellow-green color.
    • Allow the mixture to cool completely before using. The leftover simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 month.

    Whiskey Blood Orange Smash

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice about ¾ of the way. Add simple syrup, blood orange juice, and whiskey.
    • Add top and shake for at least 30 seconds. Strain into a clean glass, top with ginger beer, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprig. 

    Notes

    Rosemary simple syrup yields approximately 1 ½ cups or 12 ounces.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drinkCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 228mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 227IUVitamin C: 57mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @SaporitoKitchen or tag #SaporitoKitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sabrina

      December 14, 2021 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      This drink really tastes like the holidays, I love the rosemary and ginger together. I’ll be making it again, thanks!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 14, 2021 at 1:52 pm

        Agreed, thanks Sabrina - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Emily Flint

      December 13, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      My new favorite cocktail!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 14, 2021 at 1:38 pm

        Woohoo!So happy to hear that.

        Reply
    3. Lindsay Howerton-Hastings

      December 13, 2021 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      I made these last weekend and everyone loved them!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 2:40 pm

        So happy to hear that, thank you for trying the recipe!

        Reply
    4. Pam Greer

      December 13, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      Such a lovely and delicious cocktail!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 2:40 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Kristin

      December 13, 2021 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      I loved the rosemary flavor in this.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        Thanks! I think it's my favorite part 🙂

        Reply
    6. Angela

      December 13, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      I love how this cocktail came out. So pretty and tastes great.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    7. Andréa Janssen

      December 13, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious! I love blood oranges!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    8. Laura

      December 13, 2021 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      Love this cocktail. I'm a huge blood orange fan and this is a great way to use them.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm

        Thanks, me too!

        Reply
    9. Adriana

      December 13, 2021 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      What a lovely celebratory drink!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    10. Bernice

      December 13, 2021 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      What a great looking cocktail. Can't wait for blood orange season again!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        December 13, 2021 at 11:12 am

        Thanks Bernice! They are one of my favs 🙂

        Reply

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