Blood and Sand cocktail ingredients make for a delightfully sweet and refreshing drink with hints of spice. This classic citrus-based Scotch cocktail is high up on our list of orange juice cocktails, perfect for any season. Unfortunately, this cocktail has fallen to the wayside over the years, but we’re bringing it back!
Blood and Sand Cocktail Recipe
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker
02
2.
Add all the ingredients, close the lid and shake vigorously until extra cold
03
3.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
04
4.
Garnish with an orange peel twist
What is a Blood and Sand cocktail?
This delicious citrus-based Scotch cocktail made its first public appearance in 1930 in the classic Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock. It’s not certain whether he invented it, and the exact history of the drink’s origins might forever be a mystery. What we can tell you is that it was named after Rudolph Valentino’s 1922 silent movie, Blood and Sand—a film about bullfighting. While the movie was a big hit, we are happy to report that it does not taste like the movie’s title!
Discover the classic recipe
The OG ingredients include Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth (opens in new window), cherry liqueur, and blood orange juice. It might seem like an odd combination, and maybe that’s why it never made it to the cocktail hall of fame, but we promise you it is surprisingly delicious (even if you’re not the biggest whisky fan). Gather the troops, shake one up, and give it a go!
Choosing your whisky
This is one of the best whisky cocktails you can make, and while good Scotch has its place, this is not it. Whisky purists will tell you to reach for a bottle of blended Scotch, and we agree. It’s less expensive so stick to the middle-of-the-road Scotch whisky when making cocktails.
How to serve this dapper drink
The Blood and Sand cocktail is best served in an icy-cold, chilled coupe or Martini glass. For garnish, you’ll be making an orange peel twist. Do this by holding the orange over the drink as you peel it. Before adding the orange peel to the cocktail, twist it to release its oils. This little trick will give the Blood and Sand an extra zesty orange taste. Yum!
When to serve this suave sipper
This sophisticated drink is the perfect anytime cocktail. Enjoy it with friends during your afternoon happy hour or serve it as a pre-dinner drink or nightcap for the perfect evening.
How strong is this drink?
The strength depends on the whisky you use for the cocktail and how diluted it gets when shaking and straining. On average, a one drink comes in at around 16% ABV. This is relatively mild if you compare it to other Scotch whisky cocktails, like the Rob Roy (26% ABV).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Luckily not like blood and sand! What are we? Matadors? You’ll know you've struck gold if you can taste each ingredient. The Scotch gives off a bit of oak, the orange adds a citrus note, the cherry liqueur adds hints of tartness, and the sweet vermouth gives it a sweet and spicy finish. When balanced correctly, it's absolutely moreish.
To make sure your drink is full-bodied and vibrant, you need to shake it until you break into a sweat.
