This whiskey blood orange smash is one of the best winter cocktails. Fresh blood orange juice is mixed with rosemary infused simple syrup and whiskey, then topped off with fizzy ginger beer.
I have never been much of a whiskey drinker, but my husband is. In the last few years, I have tried to experiment with different whiskey drink ideas and it's starting to win me over. Whiskey is a very warming drink that is perfect for winter. This blood orange cocktail exudes all of the flavors reminiscent of winter; fresh rosemary, winter citrus, and ginger.
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🍊 Ingredient notes
- Simple syrup - homemade simple syrup is a great way to infuse extra flavor into drinks or baked goods. It's is a 50/50 mix of sugar and water that simmered on the stovetop until the sugar is dissolved. It can be infused with fruit or herbs, like fresh rosemary for this recipe.
- Blood orange juice - If you can get fresh squeezed blood orange juice for this recipe, I highly recommend it! Blood oranges can usually be found in most grocery stores during the wintertime. Some grocery stores will also sell it bottled too!
- Whiskey - I recommend using a bourbon whiskey because it tends to be sweeter and mild and pairs with the other flavors perfectly.
- Ginger beer - Not actually beer, this sweet and spicy drink is similar to ginger ale and can be found in the soda or mixer aisle. You can use ginger ale if you aren't able to locate it, but it will be a bit sweeter. Ginger beer has a stronger ginger flavor to it.
🥃 Step by step instructions
To make the rosemary simple syrup - combine your sugar, water, and fresh rosemary in a small pot on the stovetop and heat it until it starts to boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the rosemary sprig and pour it into a container and allow it to cool completely.
Next, you will juice your blood oranges if you are using fresh oranges.
Then, combine your rosemary simple syrup, blood orange juice, and whiskey in a cocktail shaker filled about ¾ of the way with ice. Shake everything together and then strain into a clean glass.
Top with ginger beer, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and enjoy!
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⭐ Top tip
Make sure to shake your cocktail for at least 30 seconds. Not only does it chill the drink perfectly, but it also helps to emulsify the ingredients together for the best texture and taste!
💭 Frequently asked questions
Homemade simple syrup once cooled and stored in a clean air tight jar or container will last in the fridge for up to 1 month.
🥃 More Cocktail Recipes
If you enjoyed this whiskey blood orange smash cocktail, check out these other tasty cocktail recipes.
- Grapefruit Elderflower Cocktail
- Cranberry Christmas Moscow Mule
- Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail for Fall
- Spicy Honeydew Basil Margarita
📖 Recipe
Whiskey Blood Orange Smash
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Whiskey Blood Orange Smash
- 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
- 4 ounces blood orange juice
- 1 ounce whiskey
- 2 ounces ginger beer (affiliate link)
- fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Combine sugar, water, and rosemary in a small pot over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low to allow the mixture to boil gently for 5-7 minutes. The simple syrup is done when the sugar has completely dissolved and is a light yellow-green color.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before using. The leftover simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 month.
Whiskey Blood Orange Smash
- Fill a cocktail shaker (affiliate link) with ice about ¾ of the way. Add simple syrup, blood orange juice, and whiskey.
- Add top and shake for at least 30 seconds. Strain into a clean glass, top with ginger beer, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprig.
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