Blood Orange Mixology

I just love the crimson “blood” oranges that appear in stores this time of year. They’re beautiful inside and out, easy to peel, and super juicy and sweet.

I gave my husband the challenge of researching a cocktail recipe that puts the blood orange front and center. And he did not disappoint. He made a gin cocktail and as an added bonus for the kids, a non-alcoholic version using a few different ingredients.

The Bloody Bronx

This is a twist on an existing cocktail called the Bronx. The liquor you need, in addition to fresh squeezed juice from several blood oranges, is gin, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth.

For each drink, you mix 2 oz. of gin, 1 oz. of dry vermouth, and 1 oz. each of sweet vermouth and orange juice.

Next, you give everything a good long shake with ice.

…add a slice of orange rind to chilled glasses.

…and pour.

Katie was more than happy to serve as our model and taste tester. She pronounced the Bloody Bronx a winner.

The Warrior Princess

For the kids’ “g-rated” cocktail, Matt mixed the blood orange juice with pineapple juice and tonic water. First, he chilled the glasses, each again with garnish of orange rind.

Just as he did with the grown-up drinks, he mixed the juices in the shaker with ice.

Then, he poured the tonic water in the chilled glasses.

Before filling the glasses one by one with juice.

I wish I had one as I type this.

Ana said “it’s very orangey and I like it.”

Jack loved it too.

He even tried to drink his brother Calvin’s portion, but Calvin was having nothing of it. (Calvin later found some sticky remnants on the ends of his hair.)

Full of lip-smacking citrus flavor and a warm color that hints of spring, the Bloody Bronx and the Warror Princess are two perfect mixed drinks for March.