The Blood Orange Bourbon Smash with Spicy Vanilla Sugar is a revitalizing cocktail that combines tart blood orange juice and warm bourbon for a delightful drink. You'll muddle blood orange slices with simple syrup and bitters, add crushed ice, and bourbon before straining it into a glass. Garnish with fresh mint and blood orange slices for a stunning presentation. If you're curious about tips for the perfect balance of flavors, there's more to discover!
History
Although the Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is a modern cocktail, its roots trace back to the rich histories of both blood oranges and bourbon. Blood oranges, believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, gained popularity in the US during the late 19th century. Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them an ideal ingredient during winter months.
Bourbon, recognized as America's native whiskey, has been a staple in cocktails since the 1800s, especially from Kentucky. The craft cocktail movement embraces this spirit, and the addition of spicy vanilla sugar introduces a contemporary twist.
Recipe
To make a Blood Orange Bourbon Smash, you'll need to gather a few key ingredients that come together to create a revitalizing and vibrant cocktail. The unique flavor of blood orange juice paired with bourbon makes for a delightful drink that can elevate any occasion.
This cocktail is especially fitting for romantic celebrations like Valentine's Day, where its beautiful color and balanced flavors can impress your guests.
Preparing this cocktail involves a simple muddling technique that brings out the natural sweetness of the blood oranges. By combining fresh ingredients with the smoothness of bourbon and a hint of spice from the optional Spicy Vanilla Sugar rim, you can create a drink that's both delicious and visually appealing.
Follow the recipe below to craft your own Blood Orange Bourbon Smash.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 6 ounces blood orange juice
- Splash of club soda
- Blood orange slices (for muddling)
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- A few dashes of bitters
- Crushed ice
- Spicy Vanilla Sugar (optional, for rimming)
Instructions:
Begin by preparing your glass with Spicy Vanilla Sugar if desired. To do this, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar with a pinch of cayenne pepper and the scraped seeds of 1 vanilla bean, then rim the edges of your glass with this mixture.
In a shaker, muddle a few blood orange slices with the simple syrup and bitters. Fill the shaker with crushed ice, then pour in the bourbon and blood orange juice. Shake well to combine all the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with additional crushed ice, and top it off with a splash of club soda for some fizz.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed blood orange juice rather than bottled juice, as it provides a more vibrant and authentic taste.
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup to your liking. Additionally, you can garnish your drink with a slice of blood orange or a sprig of mint for an added touch of elegance.
Enjoy your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash responsibly!
Cooking Steps
To make your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash, start by muddling the blood orange slices in a glass.
Once that's done, you'll add bourbon and ice to create a revitalizing blend.
Finally, finish it off with a sprinkle of spicy vanilla sugar and a garnish of fresh mint for that perfect touch.
Step 1. Muddle Blood Orange Slices
Start by placing blood orange slices in a chilled glass, along with simple syrup and a few drops of bitters to enhance their flavor.
Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press down on the blood orange slices to release their juice without turning them into a pulp. You want to break down the slices just enough to integrate their juices into the mixture, ensuring some texture remains for visual appeal and flavor.
Use a gentle twisting motion while muddling to avoid damaging the glass and to evenly distribute the citrus flavor.
Once you've muddled, you're ready to add crushed ice and the remaining ingredients for a balanced Blood Orange Bourbon Smash cocktail.
Step 2. Add Bourbon and Ice
With the blood orange slices muddled and their juices released, it's time to build the cocktail.
Start by adding crushed ice to a chilled glass, filling it to your desired level for a revitalizing base.
Pour in 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon over the ice, letting it mix and chill.
Next, add 6 ounces of freshly squeezed blood orange juice to enhance the vibrant color and citrus flavor of your drink.
If you like it sweeter, stir in 1 1/2 ounces of simple syrup and a few drops of bitters for added depth.
Finally, gently stir the mixture to combine, then top it off with 2 ounces of club soda for that invigorating fizz.
Enjoy your vibrant Blood Orange Bourbon Smash!
Step 3. Strain Into a Glass
Gently strain the muddled mixture into a fresh glass filled with crushed ice, ensuring a smooth pour that leaves behind any pulp.
Use a fine mesh strainer for this step, as it helps achieve a velvety texture.
For a stunning presentation, consider using a chilled glass and pour the mixture slowly to maintain any lovely layers.
If you want to amp up the flavor, add a splash of club soda after straining, which brings a delightful effervescence to your drink.
Finally, don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs and additional blood orange slices for a beautiful finish.
This not only enhances the aroma but also elevates the overall experience of your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash.
Step 4. Garnish With Fresh Mint
After straining your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash, it's time to elevate the drink's presentation with fresh mint.
Start by gently slapping a few mint leaves between your hands; this releases their essential oils, enhancing the cocktail's invigorating aroma. You can either use the mint as a garnish or muddle it into the drink for a stronger mint flavor.
For a beautiful presentation, place the mint sprig alongside a slice of blood orange, highlighting the drink's vibrant citrus notes.
Fresh mint not only adds visual appeal with its vibrant green color but also complements the warm spices of the spicy vanilla sugar, creating a delightful balance in your Bourbon Smash.
Enjoy the invigorating experience!
Step 5. Add Spicy Vanilla Sugar
To enhance the flavor of your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash, start by making Spicy Vanilla Sugar.
Combine 1/2 cup of sugar with a pinch of cayenne pepper and the scraped seeds of 1 vanilla bean in a bowl. Mix until evenly distributed, and for an intensified flavor, keep the whole vanilla pod in the jar to allow it to infuse over time.
This delicious Spicy Vanilla Sugar can be used to rim glasses, adding a unique kick to your cocktail. Consider making a double batch in advance, as it complements various cocktails and desserts.
Store the Spicy Vanilla Sugar in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Enjoy your flavorful Bourbon Smash!
Final Thoughts
While sipping on a Blood Orange Bourbon Smash, you'll quickly realize why this cocktail is perfect for any occasion. The tartness of blood oranges combined with the warmth of bourbon creates a delightful balance, making each sip an experience to savor.
The addition of spicy vanilla sugar enriches the flavor profile, introducing a unique sweetness and hint of heat. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this cocktail is both convenient and impressive for gatherings.
You can easily adjust the sweetness with simple syrup, catering to different palates. Don't forget to garnish with extra blood orange slices and fresh herbs for a stunning presentation that elevates the entire drinking experience.
Cheers to a cocktail that's as enjoyable to look at as it's to drink!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Mixes Well With Blood Orange?
Blood orange mixes well with a variety of spirits and flavors.
You'll find it pairs beautifully with bourbon, gin, and tequila, enhancing their profiles with its sweet-tart notes.
Try blending it with ginger beer or tonic for a revitalizing drink.
Adding fresh herbs like mint or basil can elevate your cocktail, while spices like cinnamon or cayenne offer intriguing warmth.
Combining blood orange with other citrus fruits creates a vibrant, balanced flavor profile too.
What Is Bourbon Vanilla Sugar?
Bourbon vanilla sugar's a delicious sweetener that combines sugar with vanilla bean seeds and a splash of bourbon.
You'll love how it infuses your dishes with rich, aromatic flavors. The infusion process allows the sugar to soak up the warm, oaky notes of bourbon, creating a unique profile.
You can use it in baking, cocktails, or as a finishing touch for desserts. It's easy to make at home, too!
Do Bourbon and Orange Go Together?
Absolutely, bourbon and orange go together beautifully.
The rich, caramel notes of bourbon complement the bright, citrusy flavor of oranges, creating a balanced and delicious pairing.
You'll find that the sweetness and acidity of oranges enhance the warm characteristics of bourbon, making it a popular choice in cocktails.
Whether you're mixing a classic or trying something new, the combination is versatile and sure to please your palate.
Enjoy experimenting with different variations!
