This post, for Blood Orange Whiskey Smash, is sponsored by Melissa’s Produce. I received product to aid in the creation of #FreakyFruitsFriday recipes. All opinions are mine alone.
I’ve always been a fan of whiskey. I fondly remember my Dad making whiskey sours for him and my Grandmother when she came to visit, which was a couple of times a month. I thought it was so cool that grown-ups would just sit on an afternoon, relaxing and enjoying each others company. I couldn’t wait to grow up myself and do the same.
When I received this amazing box of really interesting produce, I knew a cocktail was in order. Citrus, especially orange lends itself nicely with paired with whiskey. So this adult beverage was born.
Like a mint julep, this drink involves muddling. Muddling is a simple technique. You put a few of the ingredients, in this case the orange slices, sugar and mint leaves, in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. (I used a mason jar.) Then, using the back of a wooden spoon handle, press or mash the ingredients together to blend and open up flavors. You then add the remaining ingredients and shake, strain and serve.
So what exactly is a smash cocktail? The basic elements are a spirit base, in this case whiskey, ice, mint (or other herb), sugar, and seasonal fruit, hence blood orange. The popularity of smash cocktails has been on the rise.
This is the second time I’ve worked with Melissa’s Produce. My other recipes are steel cut oats with pomegranate, supreme oranges and maple syrup and roasted balsamic acorn squash and shallots. I just had to work with the blood oranges. My boys had never seen them before and, like me, thought they were beautiful. A blood orange is a bit more tart than it’s sweeter cousin the navel orange.
Blood Orange Whiskey Smash
A blood orange whiskey smash is made with your favorite whiskey and fresh blood orange juice. #FreakyFruitsFriday
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Blood Orange Juice
- ¼ ounce Agave Syrup
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 ¼ ounces whiskey
- 1 teaspoons sugar
- 2 blood orange slices
- 2 mint leaves
- 1 half blood orange slice, for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker add 2 blood orange slices, sugar and mint leaf. Using the end of a wooden spoon, muddle the fruit with the sugar and mint.
- Once these ingredients are "mashed" add ice and the blood orange juice, agave syrup, whiskey and lemon juice to the cocktail shaker. Shake to mix and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with blood orange slice and serve.
Hezzi-D says
I just got a bunch of blood oranges and this is the cocktail I need to make! Looks so refreshing and tasty!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
I love the intense flavor of smash cocktails. This looks delicious! Blood oranges are so colorful and perfect for a nice holiday drink.
Elizabeth says
This drink sounds so delicious and refreshing!! 😀
Katherine Hackworthy says
What a fab box of goodies, they look amazing. I love the method of muddling, and imagine you get loads of flavours from it. This is a great adult drink, perfect for a Friday evening kick back.
Jenni LeBaron says
I’m also a big fan of whisky drinks and this one looks super tasty! Love all of the great blood orange and citrus in this!
veena azmanov says
Loving the combination. I’m a true whiskey lover and this one’s definitely something I’d like to try !!
Camilla says
Whiskey is my booze of choice. Definitely can’t wait to try this, Ellen. Thanks for sharing.
Jacqueline Debono says
I love whiskey and I love blood oranges too, so this is definitely a cocktail for me. We have wonderful blood oranges here in Italy, especially the Tarocco blood oranges from Sicily!
1particularhrbr says
Tarocco blood oranges are AMAZING! Lucky you!
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites says
Now this is my kind of beverage! I don’t drink much alcohol but have a strong love for whiskey – love the orange combination!
Julia says
I am so making this for my dad the next time he comes over! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Nicole Tingwall says
OK how early can I start drinking?!? I need this ASAP!
1particularhrbr says
It’s 5:00 somewhere!
Demeter says
What a great drink! The color is amazing and would be a fun addition to a Halloween party too!
1particularhrbr says
Yes it would! What a great idea!
ali randall says
I have had a smash before but not with whiskey or blood oranges. This sounds refreshing and perfect for happy hour.
Krista says
This may become my drink of choice once I have one! I love the recipe!
Lizzie says
Wow, Iove blood oranges but never thought to pair them with whiskey. I usually just drink whisky neat. And now I know what a smash cocktail is!
danielle says
Blood orange is just so amazing! I’m not a drinker, but this sounds like a totally awesome mocktail as well!
Danielle says
I love blood oranges and this sounds so refreshing. Cheers to the weekend!
Amy Nash says
I was immediately drawn to the blood oranges as well! They are just so beautiful and their flavor is delicious – familiar but intriguing!
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice says
Ummm…hello…this is a cocktail I need in my life…every day…at least twice a day!!!
Wendy Klik says
Cheers Ellen. I’m a whiskey girl too.