We’ve always been fans of classic cocktails, and our Blood Orange Manhattan puts a fresh spin on the timeless favorite. Originating from the original Manhattan’s whiskey roots, this version swaps in the vibrant tang of blood oranges for a seasonal twist that brightens every sip.
It’s the perfect blend of sophistication and innovation, ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. We promise this easy recipe will elevate your home bartending game with its bold flavors and eye-catching hue.
Ingredients
We select these essential ingredients to bring our Blood Orange Manhattan to life, infusing the classic cocktail with the vibrant, tangy sweetness of fresh blood oranges for a bold, seasonal twist.
- 2 medium blood oranges, juiced to yield about 4 ounces of zesty, ruby-red juice that adds a citrusy brightness and visual appeal to our cocktail.
- 2 ounces whiskey, a smooth base spirit that provides the warm, robust foundation we rely on for the Manhattan’s signature depth.
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth, stirred in next to balance the whiskey with its herbal, slightly sweet notes that enhance the overall harmony.
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters, added for their spicy, aromatic complexity that ties the flavors together with a confident kick.
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup (optional), made from equal parts sugar and water, to subtly amplify sweetness if the blood oranges are tart.
- **1 maraschino cherry or blood orange slice, used as a final garnish to deliver a visually striking, elegant finish that elevates the drink’s presentation.
Required Tools and Equipment
Now that we have our fresh ingredients lined up, let’s equip ourselves with the essential tools to craft a flawless Blood Orange Manhattan. These items ensure precise measurements, smooth mixing, and a professional finish, elevating our home bartending experience.
- Cocktail Shaker: A must-have for blending the blood orange juice with whiskey and other elements; it helps create a chilled, well-integrated mixture quickly.
- Jigger or Measuring Tool: We use this to accurately measure out the two ounces of whiskey, one ounce of sweet vermouth, and any optional simple syrup, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors.
- Juicer or Citrus Reamer: Ideal for extracting the zesty juice from two medium blood oranges, maximizing yield while minimizing pulp for that vibrant, ruby-red hue.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: This tool strains out any pulp or seeds when pouring the cocktail, resulting in a smooth, polished drink that highlights the bold taste of blood oranges.
- Bar Spoon or Mixing Glass: If we prefer stirring over shaking, a long bar spoon helps gently combine ingredients in a mixing glass, preserving the whiskey’s smooth character.
- Rocks Glass: Our serving vessel of choice, as it showcases the cocktail’s striking appearance and allows us to add a maraschino cherry or blood orange slice as garnish.
- Ice Cube Tray or Bucket: Essential for chilling the drink; we recommend using fresh ice cubes to keep the cocktail refreshingly cold without diluting the flavors too quickly.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we’ll walk you through crafting the Blood Orange Manhattan with precision and ease. This process combines simple steps to deliver a vibrant, flavorful cocktail that elevates any occasion.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before mixing, let’s prepare our components for optimal freshness and accuracy. Start by juicing two medium blood oranges to yield about 4 ounces of juice—use a juicer to extract the zesty, ruby-red liquid, ensuring you strain out any pulp for a smooth base.
Next, measure the liquids precisely using a jigger:
- 2 ounces of whiskey: Pour into a small measuring cup or directly into the cocktail shaker for the smooth, bold foundation.
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth: Add to the whiskey to balance the flavors with its sweet, herbal notes.
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters: These provide a complex, spicy depth—shake the bottle well before adding.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of simple syrup: If you prefer a sweeter profile, include this to enhance the citrus tang.
Finally, prepare your garnish—select a fresh maraschino cherry or a thin slice of blood orange to add an elegant touch when serving.
Mix the Cocktail
With ingredients prepped, it’s time to blend them into a stunning Blood Orange Manhattan. Begin by filling a cocktail shaker halfway with fresh ice cubes to chill the mixture without diluting it.
Add the prepared liquids to the shaker in this order:
- Pour in the 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and the blood orange juice (plus simple syrup if used).
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels cold—this ensures the flavors meld and the drink chills perfectly.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes, using a fine mesh strainer to remove any ice shards for a crystal-clear presentation. Finally, garnish with the maraschino cherry or blood orange slice, and serve immediately to enjoy its bold, citrus-forward taste.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To elevate our Blood Orange Manhattan for effortless entertaining, we can prepare elements in advance without compromising its vibrant, citrusy flavors or striking ruby-red hue. This approach allows us to streamline the cocktail assembly, making it ideal for gatherings where we want to focus on our guests rather than last-minute mixing.
Preparing the Blood Orange Juice
We recommend juicing the blood oranges ahead of time to capture their zesty, tangy essence while saving precious time during service. Start by selecting two medium blood oranges—their juice yields about 4 ounces, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Juice them using a citrus juicer, then strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds for a smooth finish. Store the fresh juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its vivid color and flavor for up to 48 hours. This step ensures our cocktail retains its refreshing, bold profile without oxidation dulling the taste.
Mixing the Base Ingredients
For a head start on the cocktail itself, we can pre-mix the stable components of our Blood Orange Manhattan. Combine 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a clean mixing glass or bottle. If we desire a touch of extra sweetness, add an optional 1 teaspoon of simple syrup at this stage. Stir gently to blend, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This base can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, preserving the smooth, complex notes of the whiskey while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage Tips and Best Practices
Proper storage is key to keeping our Blood Orange Manhattan components fresh and ready. Below is a quick reference table for make-ahead timelines and storage methods, helping us plan with confidence:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Orange Juice | Up to 48 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Prevents oxidation; stir before use |
| Cocktail Base (whiskey, vermouth, bitters) | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Maintains potency; avoid exposure to light |
| Garnishes (e.g., maraschino cherry or blood orange slice) | Up to 24 hours | Sealed bag or container in fridge | Keep slices wrapped to retain moisture |
When we’re ready to serve, simply combine the pre-made juice with the base in a cocktail shaker with fresh ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a rocks glass. This method ensures our Blood Orange Manhattan delivers its elegant, invigorating appeal every time, enhancing our home bartending prowess with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this Blood Orange Manhattan with us. It’s a vibrant twist that brings seasonal flair to your home bar, blending simplicity with sophistication.
Our recipe empowers you to impress guests or unwind solo, proving that a few fresh ingredients can elevate any occasion. Give it a try and make it your signature sip—we’re sure it’ll become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Blood Orange Manhattan?
A Blood Orange Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic cocktail, swapping traditional whiskey for the vibrant, zesty flavor of blood oranges. This refreshing variation adds a seasonal, ruby-red hue and bold taste, making it ideal for entertaining or relaxing at home. It’s an easy recipe that enhances home bartending with its striking appearance and balanced flavors.
What ingredients are needed for a Blood Orange Manhattan?
You’ll need juice from two medium blood oranges for zestiness, 2 ounces of whiskey as the base, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth for balance, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters for complexity. An optional teaspoon of simple syrup can add sweetness. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or blood orange slice for an elegant touch.
How do you make a Blood Orange Manhattan?
Start by juicing two blood oranges. Combine the juice with 2 ounces whiskey, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a cherry or orange slice. This simple process takes minutes and results in a vibrant, flavorful drink.
Can you prepare a Blood Orange Manhattan in advance?
Yes, you can prep ahead for easy entertaining. Juice the blood oranges and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Mix whiskey, vermouth, and bitters together and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, combine with fresh ice for a chilled cocktail, keeping flavors fresh and minimizing last-minute effort.
What tools are required to make a Blood Orange Manhattan?
Essential tools include a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for precise measurements, a juicer for the oranges, a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp, a bar spoon or mixing glass, and a rocks glass for serving. Use fresh ice cubes to chill without diluting the drink, making the process straightforward for home bartenders.
Are there any variations for the Blood Orange Manhattan?
You can adjust sweetness by adding or omitting simple syrup, or experiment with different bitters for unique flavors. Substitute rye whiskey for a spicier kick or use other citrus like regular oranges if blood oranges are unavailable. Always taste and tweak to your preference, keeping the core recipe simple for a personalized twist.