UPDATE: This post was updated on April 7, 2025 to include conversions for metric measurements and nutrition information.
While blood oranges are in season, I want to put them in everything! And as you would expect, they're also delicious in cocktails! This recipe for a Blood Orange Old Fashioned uses Blood Orange Simple Syrup (if you make Candied Blood Oranges, you'll have a big batch of simple syrup left over) and also a dried sliced orange garnish. Of course, you can change this up and use a blood orange peel, or slice, as a garnish instead!
If you're looking for a few other cocktail ideas, try this Blackberry Old Fashioned, this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail, and this Watermelon Mint Cocktail.
Jump to:
Why you'll love this recipe
- This Blood Orange Old Fashioned only takes a few minutes to make.
- The individual components of this recipe (the simple syrup, bourbon, dried orange slices) make a great gift or hostess gift. An entire cocktail experience!
- The orange simple syrup and dried orange slices can be used in other recipes as well.
- You can easily modify this recipe to suit your preferences with different types of bourbon (or different spirits entirely).
Ingredients
There are only a few ingredients you'll need to bring this Blood Orange Old Fashioned together.
- Bourbon: Pick a brand that you like, but I like to use Michter's, Woodford Reserve, or Four Roses bourbon.
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters: This will give your cocktail a little bit of a punch.
- Blood Orange Simple Syrup: If you make a batch of Candied Orange Slices, you'll have a batch of simple syrup left over! I like to use it here for cocktails, but it's also a great gift.
- Dried Sliced Oranges or other garnish: I love the look of dried blood oranges, but you can also garnish with a bit of the orange peel, or simply a slice of blood orange.
- A nice ice cube: This is entirely personal preference, but I like a big square ice cube (like these SamuelWorld ice cubes). Feel free to use a smaller cube, or different shape depending on what you have and how much ice (which will melt into water, of course), you like to have in your cocktail.
See full recipe below for detailed directions.
Substitutions & Variations
This is a very adaptable recipe and below are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try.
- Try different spirits: Different bourbons will give you an entirely different taste experience, but you could also make this cocktail with a rye whiskey or even a scotch.
- Try different garnishes: A dried orange slice is a beautiful garnish, but you'll get a different flavor if you use an orange peel or lemon peel garnish.
- Use a different simple syrup: If you're wanting to try something other than blood orange, use a different flavored simple syrup. Try this Blackberry Old Fashioned for a berry version of this cocktail!
I have not tested this recipe with other variations, but if you do, let us know how it turns out in the comments! I always love to hear how you're adapting these recipes and use those as ideas for future recipes as well!
How to Make a Blood Orange Old Fashioned
Cocktails are very easy to make, and always add a festive flair to an event or evening!
Pour your bourbon into an Old Fashioned or rocks glass.
Quickly add your dashes of bitters (watch out, this will likely splash / spill and it will stain).
Add your simple syrup.
Stir, then add an ice cube of your choice and garnish with a dried sliced orange.
Expert Cocktail Tips
- The dried orange slice is strictly for garnish (and a hint of flavor), but it is also edible!
- All of these ingredients can be adjusted to your preference. Do you prefer a sweeter cocktail? Add a little more simple syrup. Do you like a bigger or smaller ice cube? Use that!
- This style of cocktail lends itself well to a cocktail bar where guests can assemble their own! Set up a station with spirits, simple syrup, ice and garnishes, and let guests make their own!
Equipment
This cocktail is very easy to make, and you can keep it as simple (or make it as complicated) as you like. You'll want a nice Old Fashioned or rocks glass, a cocktail jigger, cocktail stirrer, and an ice mold in the shape that you like your ice (I love these big square ice cubes).
If you need it, cocktail picks can be really beautiful for your garnish. I didn't use them with this cocktail, but you certainly could!
kitchen essentials
My Favorite Bourbon Glasses
Perfect for a cocktial or sipping!
How to Serve a Blood Orange Old Fashioned
There are a few great ways to make and serve this cocktail, depending on the time you have and the size of your crowd:
- Make them individually: Best for a small group, making the cocktails as needed will give you the best flavor.
- Create a DIY cocktail bar: If you have a larger crowd, this is a great cocktail to set up at a DIY cocktail bar. Set out a selection of bourbons, the simple syrup, bitters, cocktail garnishes and ice, and let the guests make their own.
- Big batch cocktails: Another option for a larger crowd is to make a big batch cocktail. In a large drink dispenser, combine the bourbon, bitters and simple syrup for as many cocktails as you need. Let the guests then pour their own and finish with their own ice and garnishes. Keep in mind this isn't iced tea (it's a full-strength cocktail), and they shouldn't be pouring a full cup!
Simple syrup and dried orange slices can be made well in advance so you aren't crunched for time before hosting!
Recipe FAQ
A traditional Old Fashioned is made with regular oranges, so you can always do that! And really, any type of orange will taste great in this cocktail.
You certainly can (and I recommend it), but you can also buy premade simple syrup. If you do make your own, you can make a batch of candied blood oranges to enjoy as well!
Dried sliced oranges are really beautiful (and tasty), but you can also garnish with a slice of orange peel, or simply a slice of orange if you prefer. They'll all be delicious!
Blood Orange Old Fashioned
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon blood orange simple syrup
- 1 piece dried sliced orange or other blood orange garnish
Instructions
- Pour your bourbon into an Old Fashioned glass and add 2 dashes of bitters, then 1 teaspoon of blood orange simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Add an ice cube (shape of your choice) and garnish with a dried sliced orange, or other blood orange garnish (such as a peel or a slice of the blood orange itself).
Jessica Vogl says
An easy way to elevate a classic cocktail. Love the flavor!