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!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- This Blood Orange Old Fashioned only takes a few minutes to make.
- You can also make a Blackberry Old Fashioned if you'd like a berry version!
- 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).
- Looking for other cocktail recipes? Try this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail and this Watermelon Mint Cocktail.
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. To be clear: don't use bottom-shelf liquor here. If you don't like to drink it straight, you won't like it in a cocktail.
- 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.
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!
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! The full recipe with detailed directions is at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Pour your bourbon into an Old Fashioned or rocks glass.
- Step 2: Quickly add your dashes of bitters (watch out, this will likely splash / spill and it will stain).
- Step 3: Add your simple syrup.
- Step 4: 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 DIY cocktail bar setup where guests can assemble their own! Set up a station with spirits, simple syrup, ice and garnishes, and let guests make their own!
Recipe FAQs
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. This is my recipe for Orange Simple Syrup (use blood oranges, in this case).
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!
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
If you tried this Blood Orange Old Fashioned or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you! Enjoy!
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!