“Blood Orange Bourbon Sour”

Blood Orange juice is what I call juice of the gods and if you’ve never had the pleasure of drinking this juice then you are missing out. Each year when these luscious fruits come into season I make salads, squeeze juice and eat like any other orange. However, the juice makes fabulous cocktails like my Blood Orange Bourbon Sour. This cocktail is not to be missed when blood oranges are in season. Mixed with bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and the king of fruit juices, blood orange juice. Serve over ice and these babies go down way to easy. It’s the perfect cocktail for sharing and to pair with spicy foods.

Blood Orange Bourbon Sour

My husband and I had been to a restaurant called Granite City and of course I ordered a cocktail. My Blood Orange Bourbon Sour is a take on the cocktail ordered that night. Could not get this drink out of my head and I became a woman on a mission to recreate my own version. I believe I have come pretty close to the original. This cocktail was served to friends one night at our house and were an instant hit. Blood Orange Bourbon Sours similar to Whiskey Sours but the blood orange juice put this drink over the top. It’s refreshing and smooth yet has a kick that kind of sneaks up on you from the whiskey. I recommend the Elijah Craig Small Batch which is the bourbon used at Granite City. I have tried several others but I like this bourbon quite very much.

Blood Orange Bourbon Sour

So if you’re looking for a new cocktail for yourself or dinner guests, on game night or movie night, shake up a Blood Orange Bourbon Sour while blood oranges are still in season. I definitely suggest keeping a bottle of Elijah Craig on hand for bourbon whiskey drinkers among your family and friends. Cheers!

Blood Orange Bourbon Sour

1.5 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (3 T.)

.75 oz. (1 1/2 T.) fresh lemon juice

.75 oz. (1 1/2 T.) simple syrup

1/4 cup fresh blood orange juice, strained

Ice cubes

Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Lemon slices, for garnish

Fill shaker half full with ice cubes. Pour in bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and blood orange juice. Shake about 30 seconds or until outside of shaker is frosty.

Pour cocktail into ice filled highball glasses. Garnish with cherries and lemon slices if desired.

Makes one cocktail.

Note: Adjust bourbon to your liking if desired.