Blood Orange Martini Recipe: A Beautiful Citrus Cocktail
BarNeedThe Blood Orange Martini is a cocktail with a striking color and a refreshing taste. It not only delights the palate but also captivates with its reddish hue from the blood orange, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication. This makes it the perfect choice for formal gatherings and celebrations, setting an elegant social atmosphere.
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Introduction
This cocktail combines the classic martini with the aromatic zest of citrus, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with rich layers. Blood oranges have a unique sweetness and tanginess, more intense than regular oranges. Paired with the dry crispness of gin and a splash of orange liqueur, it creates a clean, refreshing taste with a bold citrus profile.
In terms of color, it’s visually striking—its reddish hue resembles a captivating sunset, bold yet understated, unique without being flashy. When you sip it at a formal dinner, it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your presence.
Tools Needed
- Shaker: Used to mix all the ingredients together, ensuring a harmonious blend in every sip.
- Jigger: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients, maintaining the balance of flavors.
- Strainer: Used to filter out ice and other impurities, keeping the drink smooth and refined.
- Glass: You can choose a martini glass or coupe glass, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows the aromas to be released more effectively.
Ingredients
- Blood Orange Juice (2 oz): Freshly squeezed juice provides a rich fruit aroma and sweetness, enhancing the overall complexity.
- Gin (2 oz): Its herbal notes complement the fruitiness, providing a complex and well-rounded flavor.
- Lemon Juice (1/2 oz): Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness and brings a refreshing touch.
- Orange Liqueur (1/2 oz): It adds an extra layer of orange flavor, making the profile even richer.
- Ice (as needed): Ice not only chills the drink but also helps with slight dilution for a smoother taste.
Steps to Make
1. Add all the ingredients and a suitable amount of ice into the shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Strain out the ice and pour the mixed drink into the glass.
Once prepared, you can garnish with a slice of blood orange or a lemon wedge to enhance the visual appeal.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Blood Orange Juice (2 oz)
- ABV: 0%
- Calories: 30 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Sugar: 7 g
Gin (2 oz)
- ABV: 40%
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Lemon Juice (1/2 oz)
- ABV: 0%
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Orange Liqueur (1/2 oz)
- ABV: 15%
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Sugar: 7 g
Total Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- ABV: 18%
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Sugar: 15 g
Notes
Ingredient Selection: Blood oranges are in season from winter to spring, so their availability is limited. If fresh blood oranges are not available, you can substitute with store-bought blood orange juice, but it's best to choose one without added sugars.
Sweetness Adjustment: This recipe doesn't include any syrups, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of simple syrup to your liking.
Food Pairing: This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light snacks such as seafood salads, vegetable spring rolls, or grilled chicken wings. Its sweet and sour profile balances out rich flavors, leaving you refreshed after a meal.
Stir vs. Shake: Traditional martinis are typically stirred, but shaking this drink helps better combine the juice and alcohol, ensuring even flavor. If you prefer a clearer and less bubbly drink, you can stir it instead.