There’s something wonderfully festive about the rich, warm notes of bourbon paired with the vibrant, tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries and citrus. This delightful Blood Orange Bourbon Smash isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a celebration in a glass. Perfect for cozy evenings at home or lively holiday gatherings, this drink brings a joyful essence that makes every sip feel special. The lush flavors dance together, creating a refreshing yet indulgent experience that’s incredibly easy to whip up. You’ll find yourself craving this drink time and again, and it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a sip!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Blood Orange Bourbon Smash

I first stumbled upon the idea for this cocktail during a holiday party, as guests mingled with glasses filled with beautifully colored drinks. The vibrant red of the cranberries, paired with the deep amber of bourbon and the fragrant mint, immediately caught my attention. I knew I had to recreate this heavenly concoction for my friends and family. The result? The Blood Orange Bourbon Smash became an instant favorite! Whether you’re toasting with family during the holidays or just unwinding after a long day, this cocktail delivers flavor and warmth that feels like a hug in a glass. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about 5 minutes, you can craft this cocktail and have it ready to enjoy.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and blood orange juice gives it a unique, tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its gorgeous colors and lovely garnishes, this drink not only tastes good but looks fabulous, too!
Flexible Serving: This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties, festive gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to modify ingredients to cater to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 oz bourbon: A good-quality bourbon works best for smoothness. Feel free to experiment with local distilleries.
1/4 cup fresh cranberries: These add a tart flavor and a beautiful pop of color. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch but may alter the taste slightly.
6-8 fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint is key for aromatic notes; avoid dried mint as it doesn’t have the same impact.
1 oz fresh orange juice: Always opt for fresh juice over bottled for the best flavor. You may substitute with blood orange juice for an even richer taste.
3/4 oz simple syrup: This balances the tartness of the cranberries; you can easily make your own by combining equal parts granulated sugar and water.
Crushed ice: Ideal for a slushy texture. You can make crushed ice by placing ice cubes in a bag and gently crushing them.
Dried blood orange wheel for garnish: This adds an elegant touch.
Fresh cranberries for garnish: Not just for decoration; they enhance the festive feel.
Mint sprig for garnish: The final aromatic flourish that makes this drink a true standout.

How to Make Blood Orange Bourbon Smash

Muddle Cranberries and Mint: In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass, combine the fresh cranberries and mint leaves. Gently muddle them together using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds. The goal here is to release the juices from the cranberries without over-muddling the mint, which can turn bitter.

Mix Ingredients: Add the bourbon, 1 oz of fresh orange juice, and 3/4 oz of simple syrup to the muddled mixture. If you’re using a cocktail shaker, throw in a handful of ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until well mixed. If you’re using a glass, just stir until combined.

Prepare the Glass: Grab a crystal-cut rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass, and fill it with crushed ice. Pack the ice gently to create a textured base that will cool your drink thoroughly.

Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail mixture over the crushed ice using a fine-mesh strainer to catch any muddled bits that you don’t want in your drink. You should see a beautiful amber color with hints of cranberry red filtering through.

Garnish Creatively: For that final touch, place a dried blood orange wheel against the rim of the glass, scatter fresh cranberries on top of the ice, and finish it off with a fresh mint sprig. Not only does this look stunning, but it also enhances the aroma with each sip. Serve your cocktail immediately and revel in this festive creation!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash experience fresh, it’s best to make cocktails right before you plan to enjoy them. However, you can prepare the muddled cranberry and mint mixture in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. As for the final drink, avoid freezing as it may alter the flavor and texture; instead, make each serving fresh! Over time, the freshness of the garnishes may fade, so keep those for just before serving to maintain their vibrant appearance.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always muddle gently. Crushing the mint leaves too much can lend an unwanted bitterness to your cocktail.
Use a high-quality bourbon for a smoother, richer flavor. Each brand has its unique notes, so feel free to experiment.
If you’re preparing this drink for a crowd, scale the proportions up and create a large batch while keeping the muddling and mixing separate for each serving to maintain the freshness.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup; taste as you add to get it just right.
If you have leftover garnishes, they can still be used in other drinks or recipes, so nothing goes to waste!

With each sip of your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash, you savor a beautiful blend of flavors that embodies warmth and joy. Whether you’re sharing with friends or simply treating yourself, don’t hesitate to experiment with this recipe. Try adding a splash of club soda for a fizz or even a hint of ginger for extra spice! Your creativity and personal touches will make this drink uniquely yours.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of alcohol in this cocktail?

Absolutely! While bourbon is the star of this recipe, you could swap it out for whiskey or rum for a different twist. Each spirit will impart its own unique flavor to the drink.

Is simple syrup necessary for this recipe?

Simple syrup adds sweetness to balance the tartness of fresh cranberries and orange juice. If you’d prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can adjust the amount or use a sugar substitute that better fits your dietary needs.

How can I make this drink non-alcoholic?

For a delightful mocktail version, replace the bourbon with soda water or ginger ale. You can maintain the other components, as they contribute to the vibrant flavor profile.

Can I prepare the mixture in advance?

Yes, you can muddle the cranberries and mint and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just mix in the rest of the ingredients and ice right before serving to ensure that everything stays fresh and flavorful!

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Blood Orange Bourbon Smash

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Blood Orange Bourbon Smash combines bourbon, fresh cranberries, and mint for a mouthwatering cocktail. Perfect for any occasion, it’s simple to prepare and delivers vibrant flavors that impress. Cheers!

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz bourbon
1/4 cup fresh cranberries
6–8 fresh mint leaves
1 oz fresh orange juice
3/4 oz simple syrup
crushed ice
dried blood orange wheel for garnish
fresh cranberries for garnish
mint sprig for garnish

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Instructions

Combine fresh cranberries and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass.
Muddle the cranberries and mint gently for about 30 seconds until the juices are released and the mint is fragrant.
Add bourbon, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup to the mixture. If using a shaker, add ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. If in a glass, stir well.
Fill a rocks or old-fashioned glass with crushed ice.
Strain the mixture over the crushed ice, catching pieces of cranberry and mint with a fine-mesh strainer.
Garnish with a dried blood orange wheel, fresh cranberries, and a mint sprig. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure to gently muddle the mint to avoid bitterness.
You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup used.
Fresh ingredients greatly enhance the flavor; use freshly squeezed orange juice.