This easy blood orange whiskey sour is the perfect winter bourbon cocktail. Bright, citrus-forward blood orange juice balances the warmth of the whiskey, creating a drink that’s neither too sweet nor overly boozy. It’s simple to prepare and makes a refined, seasonal cocktail with just a few fresh ingredients.
Why this is the best blood orange bourbon sour
- Minimal ingredients: Blood oranges, lemon, whiskey (or bourbon) and simple syrup — that’s all you need for a beautiful cocktail that comes together in minutes.
- Fresh citrus makes the difference: Freshly squeezed blood orange and lemon juices give clean acidity and vibrant flavor that bottled juices can’t match.
- Balanced strength: The recipe showcases the whiskey without overpowering it, creating a bright, slightly tart sour with warm whiskey notes.
Ingredients
- Whiskey or bourbon: Use your preferred brand. Bourbon adds a sweeter, vanilla note while straight whiskey can be spicier.
- Blood orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best. Two to three medium blood oranges usually yield enough juice.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed only — it provides the necessary acidity and brightness.
- Simple syrup: Use a homemade 1:1 sugar-to-water syrup or a high-quality bottled simple syrup if you prefer.
Instructions
Prepare the cocktail with the following straightforward method:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the whiskey, fresh blood orange juice, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 5–7 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty on the outside and the ingredients are well chilled and combined.
- Double-strain (optional) into a glass filled with fresh ice, or single-strain into a chilled coupe for a slightly different presentation.
- Garnish with a blood orange wheel or a twist of lemon and serve immediately. Enjoy responsibly.
FAQ
Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan (for example, 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Yes. Regular sweet oranges will work well and create a tasty whiskey sour, but you’ll miss the distinct raspberry-like, tangy notes that blood oranges add. Use blood oranges when they’re in season for the most interesting flavor profile.
Expert Tips
- Juice yield: Each blood orange typically yields about 2–3 ounces of juice. Use a hand juicer or electric juicer to maximize extraction.
- Taste and adjust: Start with the suggested ratios, then adjust the whiskey or syrup to suit your palate. Add a little more whiskey for a stronger drink or a touch more syrup for extra sweetness.
- Chill your glassware: Chilling the serving glass helps keep the cocktail colder longer and improves the overall drinking experience.
- Shake with vigor: Shaking not only chills the drink but also slightly dilutes and aerates it, resulting in a smoother, more balanced cocktail.
Recipe
Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
- Author: Ali
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple, elegant whiskey sour made with bright blood orange juice and fresh lemon. It’s ideal for winter when blood oranges are at their best and for anyone who prefers a citrusy cocktail that still allows the spirit to shine.
Ingredients
- 4 oz blood orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 oz whiskey
- 1 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Add the blood orange juice, whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 5–7 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain into a serving glass filled with fresh ice (or serve neat in a chilled coupe). Garnish with a blood orange wheel or lemon twist and serve.
Notes
- See the FAQ above for an easy method to make simple syrup at home.
- Juice yield: Each blood orange yields about 2–3 ounces of juice; using a juicer helps get the most out of each fruit.
- Strength adjustments: Increase whiskey by ½–1 ounce if you prefer a stronger cocktail, or decrease the syrup for a tarter finish.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 13 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.7 g
- Protein: 1 g
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