The blood oranges have finally arrived in my local grocery stores, so that means it’s time to enjoy amazing citrus cocktails. This blood orange gin fizz is a favorite of mine, as it’s sweet, tart, vibrant, and a perfect sip! While it’s a lovely winter cocktail, the color makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day as well.
A gin fizz cocktail in its traditional form features gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. In this blood orange gin cocktail, we’ll be swapping up the classic recipe to feature this vibrant orange citrus instead.
Blood orange juice replaces the lemon, and orange sparkling water replaces the soda water. I’m also adding Campari, which is an Italian liquor akin to bitters, which enhances the orange flavor and adds the missing tart element from the lemon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What you’ll get in this blood orange gin fizz recipe is a sweet, tart, fizzy cocktail that takes just 4 ingredients and a few minutes to throw together. There’s no fancy equipment needed, which makes it simple to enjoy, and perfect for easy entertaining.
It’s one of my favorite winter cocktails to enjoy, since blood oranges are seasonal and usually only available during the winter months. Of course, you can also make it with regular oranges in other seasons if preferred!
The blood orange juice color is a vibrant reddish pink that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day as well, so the winter availability suits it just fine!
4 ounces blood orange sparkling water (adjust based on glass size)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Any type of gin is fine (use your favorite)! For extra flavor, use Beefeater Blood Orange Gin if you can find it
If you are making this out of season or cannot find blood oranges to juice, you can use Torani blood orange syrup or a cocktail mix like Stirringsto replace it
The Campari can be swapped for an equal amount of Aperol or lemon juice, or just use a few dashes of orange bitters instead
I use Spindrift blood orange tangerine sparkling water, but you can use any orange-flavored brand you like. Polar’s blood orange lemonade sparkling water or Fever Tree’s blood orange ginger beer are also great choices! You can also use Sprite, which adds both sweetness and a citrus twist!
For extra sweetness, feel free to add some simple syrup (about ½ ounce) to your drink. I don’t think it needs it, but if you like a very sweet cocktail, you may want to add some
Step By Step Instructions
To a cocktail glass, add the gin, blood orange juice, and Campari, and stir to combine
Fill the glass with ice, then pour the sparkling water over to fill the glass up
Garnish with a slice of blood orange if desired, and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Appetizers
Citrus-marinated shrimp skewers
Bruschetta with tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze
Caprese salad on skewers
Try my easy Air Fryer Bruschetta with mozzarella!
Entrées
Grilled chicken or fish with lemon butter sauce
Pasta dishes with creamy garlic or lemon-based sauces
Citrus-glazed salmon or chicken
My Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi, Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Breasts are great choices!
Snacks
Garlic hummus with pita chips
Spiced nuts or roasted chickpeas
Fresh fruit platter with citrus fruits and berries
The unique character of a blood orange gin fizz lies in the vibrant hue and the delightful blend of flavors from fresh blood oranges and gin, mixed with fizziness from sparkling water.
This gives the cocktail its signature refreshing and citrusy profile.
Can I Substitute Blood Oranges with Regular Oranges?
While regular oranges can be used, the distinct taste and color of blood oranges impart a unique character to the drink.
Their tanginess and slightly sweeter notes contribute to a different taste overall than you can achieve with regular oranges.
Is It Possible to Prepare a Non-Alcoholic Version of a Blood Orange Gin Fizz?
Yes, a non-alcoholic mocktail version can be made by replacing the gin with a non-alcoholic gin substitute or by omitting it entirely. Use lemon juice in place of the Campari.
The rest of the drink, including blood orange juice and sparkling water, remains the same.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Tartness of the Drink to Suit My Preference?
For more tartness, add extra Campari or some lemon juice to the drink. For additional sweetness, add more blood orange juice or some simple syrup.
You may need to adjust a little based on the sweetness of your individual oranges as well.
What Are Some Good Garnishes for a Blood Orange Gin Fizz?
Popular garnishes include a blood orange slice, an orange peel twist, or a fresh rosemary sprig.
Other options could include a candied orange, a mint leaf, or a foam topper made with pasteurized egg whites.
Can I Prepare a Batch of Blood Orange Gin Fizz in Advance for a Gathering?
You can mix the alcohols and juice and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in advance. Simply scale the recipe for the number of servings desired.
When ready to serve, pour into individual glasses, and then add ice and top with sparkling water. This prevents dilution and achieves maximum fizziness of the cocktail.
Recipe Pro Tips
Glassware. I use an 11-ounce old fashioned rocks glass for this recipe. You can also use a Collins or highball style glass, a stemless wine glass, or a coupe-style glass!
To prevent dilution (if you have a shaker) you can shake everything except the sparkling water with ice, then strain into a glass and top with chilled sparkling water
Storage and Presentation Tips
This recipe scales well for a pitcher. Feel free to combine the juice and liquors up to 24 hours in advance, storing in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Pour into individual glasses, topping with ice and sparkling water just before serving for maximum freshness
Garnishes are optional for this recipe, but good options are a blood orange slice, orange peel twist, or sprig of rosemary or mint
This blood orange gin fizz is such a delightful winter cocktail, but the red and pink hues make it perfect as a Valentine’s cocktail as well. That works out perfectly, since blood oranges are usually only available in the wintertime.
Sweet citrus blends with gin and Campari for a twist on the classic mixed drink. With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes or less to throw together, it’s something you’ll want to enjoy all throughout the season!
A blood orange gin cocktail is the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and fizzy. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of other citrus based foods so you can enjoy a variety of snacks, entrees, or desserts that compliment it perfectly.
Blood Orange Gin Fizz Cocktail (With Campari)
This blood orange gin fizz cocktail features fresh blood orange juice and Campari. With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes, it’s a simple cocktail to enjoy all winter long.
4Ouncesblood orange sparkling water(adjust based on size of glass)
Instructions
To a cocktail glass, add the gin, blood orange juice, and Campari, and stir to combine
1 ½ Ounces gin, 2 Ounces fresh blood orange juice, ½ Ounce Campari
Fill the glass with ice, then pour the sparkling water over to fill the glass up
4 Ounces blood orange sparkling water
Garnish with a slice of blood orange if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Any brand of gin is fine – use your favorite. For extra flavor, use Beefeater Blood Orange Gin if you can find it
If you are making this out of season or cannot find blood oranges to juice, you can use Torani blood orange syrup or a blood orange cocktail mix like Stirrings to replace it
The Campari can be swapped for an equal amount of Aperol or lemon juice, or just use a few dashes of orange bitters instead
I use Spindrift blood orange tangerine sparkling water, but you can use any orange-flavored brand you like. Polar’s blood orange lemonade sparkling water or Fever Tree’s blood orange ginger beer are also great choices! You can also use Sprite, which adds both sweetness and a citrus twist!
For extra sweetness, feel free to add some simple syrup (about ½ ounce) to your drink. I don’t think it needs it, but if you like a very sweet cocktail, you may want to add some
I use an 11-ounce old fashioned rocks glass for this recipe. You can also use a Collins or highball style glass, a stemless wine glass, or a coupe-style glass!
Garnishes are optional for this recipe, but good options are a blood orange slice, orange peel twist, or sprig of rosemary or mint
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
