There’s something truly special about a beautifully crafted cocktail, and the Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is no exception. This delightful mix is vibrant and refreshing, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of blood oranges, the warmth of bourbon, and a hint of mint. When I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday gathering, it quickly became a staple. The bright, citrusy flavors, combined with a cozy bourbon finish, make this cocktail a highlight at any festive occasion.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Blood Orange Bourbon Smash

The beauty of the Blood Orange Bourbon Smash lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. With a prep time of just five minutes, you can whip up this drink effortlessly, perfect for both intimate gatherings and lively parties. Each sip feels like a celebration, making it an excellent choice for those looking to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. I genuinely invite you to try this cocktail; once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s both speedy and hassle-free to make.
Irresistible Flavor: Experience a delightful blend of sweet, tangy blood oranges with the warmth of bourbon.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and garnishes make for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, celebrations, or even cozy nights in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adjust for various dietary preferences, keeping it fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 oz bourbon: A good quality bourbon adds complexity and warmth. Brands like Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark work beautifully.
1/4 cup fresh cranberries: These offer tartness and vibrant color. If fresh isn’t available, consider frozen cranberries, but thaw them first.
6-8 fresh mint leaves: The mint adds a refreshing fragrance. Use fresh for the best flavor; dried mint won’t yield the same freshness.
1 oz fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed juice is key. It adds a bright and zesty note.
3/4 oz simple syrup: This sweetener balances the tartness of the cranberries and the bitterness of the bourbon. You can easily make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
Crushed ice: Perfect for chilling your cocktail while keeping it refreshingly cold.
Dried blood orange wheel for garnish: Adds an elegant touch and enhances the citrus notes.
Fresh cranberries for garnish: They make the drink visually appealing and festive.
Mint sprig for garnish: A sprig gives a beautiful finishing touch to your cocktail and enhances the aroma.

How to Make Blood Orange Bourbon Smash

Muddle Cranberries and Mint: In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass, combine the 1/4 cup fresh cranberries and 6-8 fresh mint leaves. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently muddle them together for about 30 seconds. You want the cranberries to release their juices while the mint becomes fragrant; just be careful not to over-muddle as it can turn bitter.

Mix in Bourbon and Citrus: Next, add the 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of fresh orange juice, and 3/4 oz of simple syrup to the muddled mix. If using a cocktail shaker, toss in a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, if mixing in a glass, stir well to incorporate all the flavors. You should see lovely colors merging — a warm amber with hints of red.

Prepare the Glass: Fill a crystal-cut rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass with crushed ice, packing it gently to create some texture. Straining the cocktail mixture over the crushed ice will keep your drink clear of particulate. Use a fine-mesh strainer for this, allowing the flavorful liquid to flow through while keeping the muddled bits behind.

Garnish and Serve: For the final touch, elegantly place a dried blood orange wheel against the rim of the glass. Scatter a few fresh cranberries on top of the ice and finish it off with a mint sprig. Not only does the garnish elevate the drink’s aesthetic, but it also enhances your experience with fresh aromas. Serve immediately, and enjoy this exquisite cocktail!

Storing & Reheating

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped in a pitcher for gatherings if needed. Store the muddled mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours in an airtight container but avoid adding ice until serving. For a longer-term option, you can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months. Just be aware that freezing may alter the texture. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the refrigerator and serve over fresh crushed ice.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be mindful not to over-muddle the mint during the preparation; it can turn bitter quickly.
Results vary with different bourbons, so choose one you enjoy sipping on its own.
You can adjust the sweetness of your drink by altering the amount of simple syrup.
Garnishes are not just for looks—they enhance flavor; don’t skip them!
If making ahead, prepare garnishes individually, adding them right before serving for the best presentation.

There you have it—the Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is sure to impress your guests! With its beautiful color and blend of flavors, it brings warmth and cheer to any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of blood oranges?

Absolutely! While blood oranges give this cocktail a unique flavor and vibrant color, you can substitute them with regular oranges or even grapefruits for a twist. Just make sure to adjust sweetness according to the tartness of the fruit.

What bourbon is best for this cocktail?

A bourbon that balances sweetness and richness works best. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit are great choices. Experiment with different bourbons to find your preferred flavor profile—it’s all about personal taste!

Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes! You can simply replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or even a flavorful ginger beer or sparkling water mixed with the muddled cranberries and mint. This way, you still get to enjoy the festive flavors without the alcohol.

How can I sweeten it naturally?

If you prefer a natural sweetener, consider using honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantity since those sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar. Start small and taste as you go!

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Blood Orange Bourbon Smash

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is an irresistible cocktail made with fresh cranberries, mint, and bourbon. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy evening at home!

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz bourbon
1/4 cup fresh cranberries
6–8 fresh mint leaves
1 oz fresh orange juice
3/4 oz simple syrup
crushed ice
dried blood orange wheel for garnish
fresh cranberries for garnish
mint sprig for garnish

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Instructions

In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass, combine fresh cranberries and mint leaves. Muddle gently with a muddler or wooden spoon for 30 seconds until juices are released and mint is fragrant.
Add bourbon, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup to the mixture. If using a shaker, add ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. If mixing in a glass, stir well.
Fill a glass with crushed ice, packing it gently. Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice using a fine-mesh strainer.
Garnish with a dried blood orange wheel, fresh cranberries, and a mint sprig. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup to taste.
For a festive touch, consider using flavored syrups or adding a splash of soda water.
Make sure not to over-muddle the mint to prevent bitterness.