With just the right balance of sweet, tart, and bitter, this blood orange martini is such a bright and happy cocktail. And isn’t it pretty? How long it takes: just 5 minutes! Equipment you’ll need: cocktail shaker, ice, martini glass Servings: 1 Served perfectly chilled, with a stunning slice of dark red blood orange adorning the glass, you will feel celebrated every time you take a sip. Perfect any time of the year, refreshing in the summer and sunny in the winter, don’t wait — try one today! Having a party? Serve martinis with crab rangoon dip and crisp homemade wonton chips. Nosh on tomato bruschetta or roasted grape crostini with ricotta and honey. Keep it really simple with olive oil roasted almonds or spiced pecans.
About this Blood Orange Martini
Am I the only one who thinks of James Bond when a martini is mentioned? Probably. I think you’ll love this variation of a classic martini. It’s not difficult to make, it’s fun and beautiful, and even beer drinkers are lured in (thinking of you, Dad!). I’m wishing I had one right now. Here’s a quick look at how to make a blood orange martini! I’ll give a few extra tips along the way.
Ingredients
Gin: A London dry gin is perfect. Choose your favorite brand. Blood Oranges: These lovely oranges add so beauty and flavor to the martini. A hand juicer is helpful. You’ll need several oranges: a few to juice (depending on how many martinis you decide to make), and one to slice for garnishing. Cointreau: This orange flavored liqueur is somewhat bitter and adds a lot of depth to the martini. You could also use Triple Sec or Grand Marnier. Lime: Just a squeeze of lime juice is added for a nice tartness. Ice and a Cocktail Shaker: Get ready to shake, shake, shake! Don’t you just love the sound of those ice cubes rattling around in the cocktail shaker? It’s almost happy hour!
How to make A Blood Orange Martini
It’s pretty simple, really. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for fifteen seconds. Strain into a glass (a martini glass if you have it). Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately. Cheers!
How to make these martinis your own
Use regular oranges or red grapefruit. You may find you need to use a bit of simple syrup if your fruit isn’t quite as sweet. Replace the gin with vodka. Add a half ounce of Aperol if you like a more bitter drink, or a half ounce of Solerno, a blood orange liqueur.
Make-Ahead Ideas
While this martini is best served immediately, avoid a last minute squeeze (pun intended) with these helpful hints!
Juice the oranges and limes, and store the juice in the refrigerator in a covered jar or measuring cup. Cut orange wedges for garnish and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure you have plenty of fresh ice, and chill the gin and cointreau, if desired. Polish up your martini glasses and chill those too.
More cocktail recipes
It’s time to make merry! Shaken, stirred, or blended, these happy hour gems will make your day sparkle. Try:
Paloma Recipe – Spicy or Traditional Vanilla Bourbon Fizz — with champagne, vanilla, and bourbon Raspberry Rosé Spritzer – an light and easy cocktail Cherry French 75 – sweet tart perfection, another classic recipe Jack Frost Mimosa – frosty and blue! White Russian Recipe – with ideas to make it your own Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe – with tips to make the best Orange Mojito – so refreshing and delicious! Sparkling Pink Lemonade (with cocktail option) Toasted Almond Cocktail by The Spruce Eats — this cocktail with amaretto, coffee liqueur, and cream sounds heavenly.
