Blood Orange Whiskey Smash
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
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Blood Orange Juice
- 1/4 ounce Agave Syrup
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/4 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.
What a great drink! The color is amazing and would be a fun addition to a Halloween party too!
Yes it would! What a great idea!
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!
Now this is my kind of beverage! I don’t drink much alcohol but have a strong love for whiskey – love the orange combination!
I am so making this for my dad the next time he comes over! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
OK how early can I start drinking?!? I need this ASAP!
What a great drink! The color is amazing and would be a fun addition to a Halloween party too!
I have had a smash before but not with whiskey or blood oranges. This sounds refreshing and perfect for happy hour.
This may become my drink of choice once I have one! I love the recipe!
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!
Blood orange is just so amazing! I’m not a drinker, but this sounds like a totally awesome mocktail as well!
I love blood oranges and this sounds so refreshing. Cheers to the weekend!
I have had a smash before but not with whiskey or blood oranges. This sounds refreshing and perfect for happy hour.
This may become my drink of choice once I have one! I love the recipe!
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!
Blood orange is just so amazing! I’m not a drinker, but this sounds like a totally awesome mocktail as well!
I love blood oranges and this sounds so refreshing. Cheers to the weekend!
I was immediately drawn to the blood oranges as well! They are just so beautiful and their flavor is delicious – familiar but intriguing!
I was immediately drawn to the blood oranges as well! They are just so beautiful and their flavor is delicious – familiar but intriguing!
Ummm…hello…this is a cocktail I need in my life…every day…at least twice a day!!!
Cheers Ellen. I’m a whiskey girl too.