Here’s a zingy cocktail that makes the most of this unique citrus fruit: a Blood Orange Martini! Blood orange season is short, usually December through April depending on your location. So why not grab a bunch to mix up deliciously sweet tart cocktails? This drink matches the floral citrus from the blood orange with the tang of lime juice, making a balanced, drinkable flavor. It’s one of our favorite ways to drink the juice from this fruit…outside of the Blood Orange Margarita, that is!
What’s in a blood orange martini?
The blood orange martini is a spin on the flavored vodka martini: which is about as far from the classic dry martini as could be! A Classic Martini is made with gin and vermouth, and has a very dry flavor. But there’s a whole family of vodka martinis that are the exact opposite: fruity and sweet tart. They bear more resemblance to a Cosmo than a martini! Two vodka martinis make the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning they have official definitions (the lemon drop martini and the espresso martini). But most vodka martini recipes are free-form and depend on the bartender. Here’s what’s in our blood orange martini:
Blood orange juiceVodkaLime juiceCointreauSimple syrup
Use fresh squeezed blood orange juice…or bottled in a pinch
It’s easy to find blood orange juice in a bottle these days: making it possible to make this blood orange martini any time of the year! Of course, we love it best with fresh squeezed juice from real blood oranges. In that case, you can use wedges for a garnish too! If you do purchase juice, make sure it’s 100% juice without added sweetener. (You can actually squeeze juice from any type of orange here, including navels, clementines and satsumas.)
How to make a blood orange martini (basic steps)
The blood orange martini is very easy to make: all you need is a cocktail shaker! If you don’t have one, you can also use a glass jar with a cover, and a strainer to strain out the drink. Here’s what to do:
More blood orange cocktails!
Got ahold of a bounty of blood oranges? This citrus is perfect for mixing into cocktails and recipes. Here are some favorite blood orange cocktails to try:
Blood Orange Margarita Add tequila and lime for a stunning citrus cocktail.Blood Orange G&T Cocktail This refreshing cocktail is bubbly perfection.Blood and Sand A unique classic cocktail made with Scotch and cherry liqueur!Garibaldi An Italian cocktail with only 2 ingredients: Campari and orange juice.Italian Margarita Another margarita, this one with amaretto and blood orange juice!
When to serve this blood orange martini
A blood orange martini works before dinner, after dinner, or anytime in between. Serve it as a:
Happy hour drinkAfternoon cocktailChristmas cocktail or winter drinkValentine’s Day drinkLate night drinks drinkGirls or guys night drinkCocktail hour drink
More martini recipes
There are so many martinis! Here are a few more types of martinis to try: 4 from 2 reviews
Go dry with Vesper Martini, Dirty Martini or Classic Martini Opt for citrus with Lemon Drop Martini, Limoncello Martini or Key Lime MartiniPick pink with a bright Raspberry Martini, Cranberry Martini, Watermelon Martini, Pomegranate Martini or French MartiniGo unique with a Ginger Martini or Cucumber MartiniTry dessert-style with Espresso Martini, Coffee Martini or Chocolate MartiniMake it with tequila for a Mexican Martini
