If you love a classic cosmopolitan, try these easy vodka drinks, Blood Orange Martinis!
This is the perfect vodka drink to enjoy during citrus season.
Not too sweet or too tart and easy to make with just a few key bar ingredients and a cocktail shaker!
While I love my citrus vodka cocktail during citrus season, this blood orange martini cocktail recipe is a great way to elevate your cocktail game
Blood oranges are one of my favourite citrus fruits during orange season. They’re a little bit sweeter and less tart than other regular oranges, thus, they lend well to the flavour notes of this blood orange martini. And, they have the most brilliant, gorgeous color!
Why you’ll love these blood orange vodka drinks
- This recipe makes two martinis so it’s a perfect cocktail for date night in!
- A blood orange cocktail recipe is an absolutely divine drink to cheers with.
- If you love cosmopolitan’s but want to switch up the flavours slightly this is the perfect martini to do so!
Ingredients needed for these blood orange vodka drinks
Blood oranges: use in season, fresh blood oranges (also labeled as moro oranges in some grocery stores) for this blood orange vodka cocktail
Vodka: use your favourite vodka; I like to use a plain (not flavoured) vodka so the blood orange flavour shines through
Cranberry juice: a touch of cranberry juice adds a bit of tartness to this drink
Orange liqueur: you can use triple sec, grand marnier or cointreau in this blood orange martini recipe
Lime: fresh squeezed lime juice is the best for this fun cocktail
Garnishes: use dried slices of blood orange for the perfect garnish; alternatively, use a fresh slice of blood orange or sprigs of rosemary
how to make this blood orange martini
Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add all martini ingredients to the shaker.
Step 2: Shake for 20-30 seconds. Strain into two cooled martini or coupe glasses.
Step 3: Garnish with a dried blood orange slice, fresh slice of a blood orange or a sprig of rosemary.
expert tips for making these vodka drinks
- If you don’t have a martini / cocktail shaker, a mason jar with a lid will work just as well.
- A classic way to serve these vodka drinks is in a martini glasses, however, couple glasses work wonderfully too!
- If you don’t have dried citrus slices to garnish these blood orange martinis, try using a slice of fresh blood oranges or a sprig of rosemary instead.
how to make dried orange slices for cocktail garnishes
- Slice one orange into 1/8 inch thin slices (use a very sharp knife to do this)
- Preheat the oven to 200F.
- Line a baking sheet with a baking cooling rack (this allows the oranges to dry quicker with heat from both sides). Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the baking sheet.
- Add the sliced oranges to a double sheet of paper towel and use a second sheet of paper towel to press gently on the slices to release some liquid.
- Next, place the orange slices on the baking rack (or the parchment lined baking sheet).
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping every half hour to prevent edges of the orange slices from curling, until slices are dry. Let slices fully cool at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
common questions
When are blood oranges in season?
The best time of year to find fresh blood oranges for this blood orange martini is between December – April.
How can I make this cocktail for a crowd?
Simply double, triple or quadruple the recipe and then add all of the ingredients to a pitcher. Stir well and refrigerate until cold. Serve and enjoy!
Storage
I recommend enjoying this cocktail as soon as it’s made! However, to save time you can squeeze the fresh blood orange juice beforehand and store in the fridge for up to 3 days until ready to make these blood orange vodka drinks.
More delicious cocktails to love from the blog
Old Fashioned Cocktail with Black Walnut Bitters
The Best Pomegranate Aperol Spritz Holiday Cocktail
Pomegranate Vodka Cocktail with Rosemary Simple Syrup
Blood Orange Martini (an easy vodka cocktail recipe)
Ingredients
- 5 oz vodka
- 2 1/2 oz triple sec, cointreau or grand marnier
- 2 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 5 oz blood orange juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add all martini ingredients to the shaker.
- Shake for 20-30 seconds. Strain into two cooled martini or coupe glasses.
- Garnish with a dried blood orange slice, fresh slice of a blood orange or a sprig of rosemary.
Notes
- If you don't have a martini / cocktail shaker, a mason jar with a lid will work just as well.
- A classic way to serve these vodka drinks is in a martini glasses, however, couple glasses work wonderfully too!
- If you don't have dried citrus slices to garnish these blood orange martinis, try using a slice of fresh blood oranges or a sprig of rosemary instead.
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