“Blood oranges are not only juicy and delicious but also add a vibrant burst of flavor to spring and summer cocktails, elevating them to a new level of freshness and sophistication. Their rich, tangy-sweet taste and striking red hue make them a perfect ingredient for creating visually stunning and irresistibly refreshing drinks that are sure to impress at any gathering or celebration. Incorporating blood oranges into your cocktails not only enhances their flavor profile but also adds a touch of seasonal flair, making them the star of any cocktail.
I had an OBSESSION with blood oranges for a few years. Everything I consumed was blood orange and I sort of fell off the blood orange train. But, now that I am 7 months pregnant and in need of fun alcohol alternatives, blood oranges have made their way back into my life and I am so excited to share this mocktail with you.
Blood Oranges: The History
Blood oranges are a unique citrus fruit known for their distinct flavor profile and striking red flesh. These oranges are characterized by their rich, sweet-tart taste, which is often described as a combination of orange and raspberry with floral undertones. The vibrant red color of their flesh comes from the presence of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant typically found in berries.
Originating in Sicily, Italy, blood oranges have a rich and storied history that dates back centuries. The first cultivation of blood oranges is believed to have taken place in the Mediterranean region, where the warm climate and fertile soil provided the perfect conditions for these unique citrus fruits to thrive.
The exact origins of blood oranges are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but they are thought to be a natural mutation of the sweet orange. The distinctive red color of the flesh is caused by the presence of anthocyanins, a group of pigments that are not typically found in citrus fruits. This mutation is believed to have occurred spontaneously in the wild, leading to the development of the blood orange variety. So, no, it’s not made with actual blood…😂
As trade routes expanded and civilizations grew, blood oranges began to spread to other parts of the world. The Moors are credited with introducing blood oranges to Spain during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. From there, blood oranges made their way to other parts of Europe, including France and Portugal.
In the 19th century, blood oranges were introduced to the United States, where they were initially grown in California and Florida. Today, blood oranges are also grown in other parts of the world, including Australia and the Mediterranean region outside of Italy. They are prized for their unique flavor and stunning appearance, and continue to be a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike.
It’s Healthy! Health Benefits and Adding More Blood Oranges to your Diet
Like many fruits, there are tons of health benefits of adding blood oranges to your diet.
Blood oranges are rich in vitamin C which is important for immune health and skin health- with the Vitamin C, eye health is targeted and helps protect your eyes from age-related issues.
Did someone say fiber? Blood oranges are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Also, The antioxidants and fiber in blood oranges may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and improving heart health.
Do you feel like you want more blood oranges in your diet? Here are a few ways you can start incorporating into your diet:
- Fresh Juice: Squeeze fresh blood orange juice and enjoy it as a refreshing beverage on its own or mixed with other juices, such as grapefruit or lemon, for added flavor complexity.
- Citrus Salad: Slice blood oranges and combine them with other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and mandarin oranges, for a colorful and flavorful citrus salad. Add some fresh mint or basil for an extra burst of freshness.
- Marinades and Dressings: Use blood orange juice and zest in marinades for meats, seafood, or vegetables. You can also make a simple dressing by combining blood orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Baking: Incorporate blood orange zest into baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, and scones, to add a bright citrus flavor. You can also use blood orange juice in glazes or icings for a tangy twist.
- Cocktails and Mocktails: Use blood oranges as a flavorful base for cocktails and mocktails. Combine blood orange juice with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail, or mix it with vodka or gin for a citrusy cocktail or keep reading to find how we included blood oranges into our mocktail!
- Sauces and Salsas: Use chopped blood oranges to make a tangy salsa to serve with grilled fish or chicken. You can also use them to make a citrusy sauce for desserts, such as a blood orange caramel sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze blood orange segments to use as a refreshing snack or to add to smoothies for a burst of citrus flavor.
Let’s Make a Mocktail or a Cocktail if you Please!
This mocktail reminds me of a pink starburst- so sweet, delicate, and tarte. It is absolutely delicious!
Let’s start with the star of the show- the blood orange, duh. Slice blood oranges in half and juice 2.5 oz to set aside. Next, we are adding in coconut milk! Not only will the coconut milk make this mocktail much creamier, it turns the color of this cocktail into a soft pink color. Then, we’re adding a touch of lime juice to balance with more sour flavors and some maple syrup to amp up the sweetness. For this mocktail, we’re smoking with grapefruit peel smoke dust to highlight the citrus of the mocktail! Once the cocktail is smoked, a splash of orange club soda is added to the top to bring the entire drink together!
For added fun to the drink, we added coconut flakes to the rim!
Make it Alcoholic:
Not wanting a mocktail tonight? Really any spirit will taste great with this cocktail, but here are some options for you to get your buzz on!
- Rum- I suggest white rum, but this will be delicious to turn this drink into the ultimate tropical cocktail.
- Coconut Vodka– Amp up the coconut flavor with a vodka that shines! Regular vodka works, too!
- Bourbon- bourbon and blood orange go fantastically together, so it really does make a great addition!
If you make this mocktail or turn it into a cocktail, comment below!
Creamy Blood Orange Mocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker
- 1 Citrus Press or Juicer
- 1 Butane Kitchen Torch
Ingredients
Mocktail
- 2.5 oz fresh-squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 oz coconut milk
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- splash of orange club soda
Garnish & Smoke
- 1 pinch Grapefruit Peel Smoke Dust
- coconut flakes for the rim
Instructions
Mocktail Prep
- Slice a lime and rim a glass with lime juice and roll in coconut flakes. Set aside.
Mocktail
- Add all ingredients except club soda to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a readied glass over ice.
Garnish & Smoke
- Place the smoker on top of the mocktail and smoke for 10-15 seconds. Top with orange soda!
