Every winter, I get a bag of beautiful blood oranges, and then look for ways to turn them into tasty drinks. This blood orange vodka cocktail is one of my favorites, as it’s simple, fizzy, refreshing, and shows off the gorgeous hues that blood oranges are famous for.
With just 3 ingredients (plus ice) and less than 5 minutes needed to put together, it doesn’t get much easier than this blood orange vodka cocktail.
This seasonal spin on a vodka fizz (or a vodka soda or sparkler, depending what you prefer) is bubbly and refreshing, while the simplicity makes it perfect for entertaining!
Since blood oranges are only available during the winter months, it’s a great option for your game days, holiday and winter entertaining, and even Valentine’s Day thanks to the vibrant red pink color that is natural to the oranges.
Like most drink recipes, it’s easy to tweak and adjust this cocktail to taste (or to swap for whatever you have on hand). I’ll make sure to give you some options to make things even easier!
Ingredients List
2 ounces fresh blood orange juice (approx 1 large orange)
2 ounces vodka
3 ounces blood orange sparkling water (adjust based on glass size)
Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use bottled blood orange juice if you can’t find fresh, but note that it typically comes pre-sweetened
I use plain vodka for this recipe, but if you happen to find blood orange vodka like Skyy or Effen, you can use that for more flavor!
The blood orange sparkling water can be swapped for regular orange flavor, or you can use blood orange soda for a sweeter version of this drink
If you like your drinks sweeter, then add about ½ ounce of simple syrup to the mix (you can always taste and adjust to preference)! For more sour, ½ ounce of lemon or lime juice can be added
Garnishes are optional, but you can add a slice of wedges of blood orange, or add an herbal twist by garnishing with a sprig of mint, sage, or rosemary
Step By Step Instructions
Add blood orange juice and vodka to a glass, then stir to mix
Fill the glass with ice (and any slices or wedges of orange you want to add to the drink), then top with blood orange sparkling water
Garnish with a slice of orange or sprig of mint if desired, and enjoy!
What Ingredients Do I Need for a Blood Orange Vodka Cocktail?
To make a delicious blood orange vodka cocktail, you’ll need fresh blood orange juice, vodka, sparkling water, and ice.
Other optional additions include a sweetener like simple syrup, an orange liquor like triple sec for flavor, or garnishes.
Can I Use Regular Oranges Instead of Blood Oranges?
While regular oranges can be used, blood oranges provide a unique flavor and vibrant color that enhances the cocktail.
It’s recommended to use blood oranges if the color or flavor is most important to you. If they are out of season, use a blood orange syrup, bottled juice, or soda as a replacement.
How Do I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of the Blood Orange Vodka Cocktail?
You can create a non-alcoholic mocktail version by replacing the vodka with orange juice or a blood orange soda. I like blood orange ginger beer for the flavor.
Adjust the sweetness with simple syrup.
What’s the Best Type of Vodka for This Cocktail?
A clean and neutral vodka works well to let the bright flavors of blood orange shine. Choose a quality vodka to enhance the overall taste.
Alternatively, use a blood orange flavored vodka such as Skyy or Effen brand, to enhance the blood orange flavor overall.
Can I Prepare the Ingredients Ahead for a Party?
Yes, you can prepare the blood orange juice, vodka, and any sweetener desired in advance.
However, you should only top the cocktail with your sparkling beverage just before serving to retain its freshness.
Are There Any Creative Garnish Ideas for Presentation?
Garnish with a blood orange slice on the rim or a twist for added visual appeal.
You can also rim the glass with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Recipe Pro Tips
I’m using a highball Collins glass for my blood orange vodka cocktail, but you can use anything similar. A rocks glass, stemless wine glass, or goblet are other great choices. You may need to adjust the amount of sparkling water used depending on your specific glass size
Storage and Presentation Tips
This recipe scales well for a party. You can juice your oranges and mix in the vodka ahead of time, storing in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Add ice and sparkling water just before serving to ensure the best fizz
This simple blood orange vodka cocktail has just 3 ingredients, requires 5 minutes or less to prepare, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
The beautiful red pink blood orange juice is highlighted in this fizzy, refreshing vodka-based drink that’s akin to a vodka fizz, sparkler, or soda (depending on the name you’re most familiar with).
It’s a great choice for Valentine’s Day simply due to its color, but this cocktail is also a perfect option all winter. Since it’s so easy it makes it perfect for low-stress entertaining, and it’s naturally low fat, vegetarian, and gluten free, so it fits a variety of diets!
3 Ingredient Blood Orange Vodka Cocktail
Just 3 ingredients and a few minutes is all it takes to put together this blood orange vodka cocktail. It’s refreshing, fizzy, and great for winter entertaining or Valentine’s Day thanks to the natural color.
2Ouncesfresh blood orange juice(approximately 1 large orange)
2Ounces vodka(plain or blood orange flavor)
3Ounces blood orange sparkling water, such as Spindrift(adjust based on glass size)
Ice cubes
Instructions
Add blood orange juice and vodka to a glass, then stir to mix
2 Ounces fresh blood orange juice, 2 Ounces vodka
Fill the glass with ice (and any slices or wedges of orange you want to add to the drink), then top with blood orange sparkling water
3 Ounces blood orange sparkling water, such as Spindrift, Ice cubes
Garnish with a slice of orange or sprig of mint if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
You can also use bottled blood orange juice if you can’t find fresh, but note that it typically comes pre-sweetened
I use plain vodka for this recipe, but if you happen to find blood orange vodka like Skyy or Effen, you can use that for more flavor!
The blood orange sparkling water can be swapped for regular orange flavor, or you can use blood orange soda for a sweeter version of this drink
If you like your drinks sweeter, then add about ½ ounce of simple syrup to the mix (you can always taste and adjust to preference)! For more sour, ½ ounce of lemon or lime juice can be added
Garnishes are optional, but you can add a slice of wedges of blood orange, or add an herbal twist by garnishing with a sprig of mint, sage, or rosemary
I’m using a highball Collins glass for my blood orange vodka cocktail, but you can use anything similar. A rocks glass, stemless wine glass, or goblet are other great choices. You may need to adjust the amount of sparkling water used depending on your specific glass size
This recipe scales well for a party. You can juice your oranges and mix in the vodka ahead of time, storing in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Add ice and sparkling water just before serving to ensure the best fizz
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any sweetener or garnishes added, glass size, and 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!
