My apologies and I hope you will forgive me. For what? I lied. When I mentioned last week that the only two things that make me happy in winter were pomegranates and cranberries I made a glaring omission. How could I have forgotten blood oranges? I promise, it was a mistake to have left them off of my list; maybe because they are a relatively new love and somehow I think them a bit fleeting and not quite assured that our relationship is enduring? They are harder to find then ‘regular’ oranges and coveted above ALL else. Even though many show signs of the promise that awaits you inside, it’s always subtle and sometimes it’s not even there. Making that first cut always has some apprehension and as a result some excitement at the actuality of the gorgeousness that is revealed. I love that deep burgundy color; it exudes richness and I just love this brief period when our affair comes alive each year.
I thought it would be fun to do a riff on a Cosmopolitan, a drink that has always been a favorite of mine through its heyday (Sex and the City anyone?) to now when it’s fallen a bit out of favor except not with me. Still love them. Creating a Blood Orange Cosmopolitan is easy…simply sub some of the cranberry juice with freshly squeezed blood orange juice and you’re done. It’s so pretty and admittedly I do love me some pretty cocktails…seems most are pink too. I could say Pretty in Pink but that would probably bring up some teen angst that was a generation behind me…so we’ll just leave that be.
I love making cocktails for my friends. Even more I love sharing with them just how easy it is to craft so many at home that we (I) used to consider only as a treat when I would go out to meet friends. If I’m honest I have to admit that finding this ease for myself often has me enjoying the experience of having friends over more than going out and serving them a great cocktail instead of just a glass of wine is something I really enjoy. I’ve been to some nice places recently and actually had a couple of great drinks but my frugal self can not help but notice…I could pour cocktails for a crowd for the amounts that are being charged for one at a local hotspot!
I’m thinking I need to do a post on basic bar necessities so that you can do the same; let me know if that would be of interest. In the meantime; this one just takes vodka and orange liqueur. I might mention Grand Marnier as an option but look for other examples, it’s pricey and when you’re mixing with other ingredients, pricey can be overrated. Way overrated. Patron’s Citronge is my go to but as long as you shy away from the really cheap triple sec, any of them will suffice as a mixer.
Now to finish this drink. The season is short and time is of the essence. Cheers!
- 4 oz vodka
- ½ ounce Citronge or Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur
- 2 oz blood orange juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (or more to taste)
- ½ oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- Blood Orange slices
- Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with orange segment and dip into sugar; chill.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients to shaker and shake well until ice cold.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with blood orange slice
