Blood Orange Drink

I made this blood orange drink after a long, emotionally full day, when I wanted something celebratory but not heavy. It’s bright, lightly citrusy, and balanced enough that you can actually enjoy a full glass without feeling overwhelmed. What I love about this drink is that it’s pretty and easy to put together.

I’m very particular about citrus cocktails—they can tip bitter or overly sweet fast—and this version hits the balance I want every time. If you enjoy drinks like my blackberry mojito or lighter wine-based cocktails, this one fits right into that rotation.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Light enough for daytime or early evening sipping
• It’s fresh and balanced, not syrupy or overly strong
• The blood orange gives it a naturally beautiful color without artificial mixers
• It comes together in under 10 minutes
• Easy to adjust sweeter or drier depending on your taste

Key Ingredients & How I Use Them

• Dry white wine (Pinot Grigio) – I usually use Pinot Grigio because it keeps the drink light and crisp instead of heavy or boozy. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cocktail without adding more syrup, a Riesling or Moscato works well here and softens the citrus naturally.
• Vodka – Adds structure and a little backbone without competing with the blood orange flavor.
• Grand Marnier – Brings warmth and depth; a small amount goes a long way and rounds out the citrus.
• Fresh blood orange juice – This is where both the flavor and color come from. Freshly squeezed makes a noticeable difference in brightness.
• Simple syrup – I add it gradually so I can fine-tune the sweetness, especially since blood oranges can vary.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional garnish) – I love the subtle herbal aroma against the citrus and the pop of green it adds to the glass.

How to Make a Blood Orange Drink

The full printable recipe is below, but here’s how I make it step by step. This recipe makes 3 drinks at about 6.5–7 fl oz each if you pour a bit more generously.

Tips for the Best Result

• Use freshly squeezed juice whenever possible—bottled juice flattens the flavor
• If making ahead, adjust the sweetness after chilling again
• If the drink tastes sharp, add a touch more syrup; if it’s too sweet, a splash of wine balances it out
• Serve in clear glasses to show off the color—it’s part of the experience

Variations

• Drier version: Skip the simple syrup entirely and lean on the wine
• More festive: Top with a splash of prosecco or club soda
• Stronger: Increase vodka slightly, but keep the wine for balance
• Sugar-free syrup: To reduce the calorie amount, you can use sugar-free syrup to sweeten the drink

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. I mix everything except ice and store it covered in the fridge for a few hours.

What if I can’t find blood oranges?
Cara Cara oranges work well, though the color will be lighter. You can even make this with lemon juice or regular orange juice. If using lemon juice, you might need to add more simple syrup.

Can I make this for a crowd?
Absolutely. This recipe scales easily—just keep the same ratios and sweeten to taste.

If you make this blood orange cocktail, I’d love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or leave a review on the recipe—seeing your versions and how you enjoy it is always my favorite part of sharing these recipes.