The Blood Orange Negroni puts a fruity twist on a classic cocktail. This bright and bitter drink combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with the tangy juice of blood oranges. The deep red color and complex flavors make it perfect for sipping on a winter evening.
Blood oranges are in season from December to May, so winter and early spring are ideal times to mix up this cocktail. The fruit’s ruby flesh gives the drink a gorgeous hue. Its slightly berry-like taste also adds depth to the traditional Negroni formula.
This recipe is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. It requires no special bar tools beyond a jigger for measuring. The Blood Orange Negroni works well for parties too. You can mix up a big batch ahead of time to serve guests.
Blood Orange Negroni Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Rocks glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon
- Ice cube tray
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
For one Blood Orange Negroni, you’ll need:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
- Ice cubes
- Blood orange slice for garnish
The quality of ingredients matters. Pick a good gin and vermouth. Fresh juice is key – squeeze your own blood oranges if possible. If not, store-bought juice works too.
Instructions
Making a Blood Orange Negroni is simple:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour 1 oz each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth into the glass.
- Add 1 oz of fresh blood orange juice.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds.
- Garnish with a blood orange slice.
That’s it! The drink is ready to enjoy. The stirring is important – it chills and mixes the drink without making it too watery.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Blood Orange Negroni offers a unique twist on the classic cocktail. Its vibrant red-orange hue catches the eye immediately.
The aroma is a blend of citrus and herbal notes. Blood orange scents mingle with the gin’s juniper and the vermouth’s botanical fragrances.
On the palate, the drink is both sweet and bitter. The blood orange juice adds a tart, fruity flavor that balances the bitterness of Campari.
The gin provides a crisp, clean backdrop for the other flavors. Its juniper notes complement the citrus elements nicely.
The vermouth contributes depth and complexity. It brings subtle herbal and spice notes that round out the drink’s flavor profile.
The finish is long and pleasantly bitter, with lingering citrus and herbal tastes. The cocktail leaves a warming sensation as it goes down.
This Negroni variation is less bitter than the original. The blood orange softens the edge of the Campari, making it more approachable for some drinkers.
The drink’s flavors evolve as the ice melts, creating an ever-changing tasting experience. It’s a cocktail that rewards slow sipping and savoring.
Substitute
Blood orange juice is key to this cocktail, but other options can work too. Regular orange juice makes a good swap. Grapefruit juice offers a tart twist. For a non-citrus choice, try pomegranate juice.
The gin can be replaced with vodka for a milder taste. Bourbon gives a sweeter, oakier flavor. Non-alcoholic gin alternatives exist for those avoiding alcohol.
Campari’s bitter flavor is hard to match. Aperol is a lighter, sweeter option. Cynar, made from artichokes, provides an earthy bitterness. For a non-alcoholic version, try a bitter soda or tonic water.
Sweet vermouth can be swapped for dry vermouth. This changes the flavor but keeps the wine base. For a non-alcoholic choice, use grape juice mixed with herbs.
These swaps let you adapt the drink to your taste or what’s in your bar.
