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Picture this: a gorgeous sunset in a glass, ready in just five minutes. The Blood Orange Sunset Cocktail is your new go-to recipe when you want something sophisticated, refreshing, and absolutely Instagram-worthy without spending hours behind the bar.
This vibrant cocktail combines the botanical complexity of gin with Aperol’s bittersweet orange notes and fresh blood orange juice for a drink that tastes as stunning as it looks. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating happy hour, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Blood Orange Cocktail
Blood oranges bring something special to cocktails that regular oranges just can’t match. Their deep crimson color creates that signature sunset gradient, while their unique flavor profile slightly sweeter and more complex than standard oranges adds depth to every sip.
The combination of gin and Aperol might sound fancy, but it’s actually incredibly balanced. Gin provides herbal notes and structure, while Aperol contributes its signature bittersweet orange flavor and that gorgeous coral hue. Together with fresh blood orange juice and a splash of soda water, you get a refreshing, not-too-sweet cocktail that appeals to a wide range of palates.
This recipe is perfect for:
- Weekend brunches and daytime entertaining
- Happy hour at home
- Romantic date nights
- Summer garden parties
- Anyone who loves citrus-forward cocktails
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gin | 1 oz | Use your favorite brand; London Dry works beautifully |
| Aperol | 1 oz | The Italian aperitif that gives the sunset color |
| Blood Orange | 1 whole | Freshly squeezed for best flavor |
| Soda Water | Splash | To top and add refreshing fizz |
| Ice | As needed | Fills your glass |
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Gin: Any gin works here, but London Dry gins like Beefesbury or Tanqueray provide a clean botanical backdrop. If you prefer something more floral, try a gin with elderflower notes.
Aperol: This Italian aperitif is essential for that signature sunset color and bittersweet orange flavor. Don’t substitute with Campari unless you want a much more bitter, less sweet cocktail.
Blood Orange: In season from December through May, blood oranges have a deeper, slightly raspberry-like flavor. If unavailable, regular oranges work but won’t give you that stunning crimson hue.
Soda Water: Plain soda water adds fizz without sweetness. Avoid tonic water as it will change the flavor profile significantly.
Essential Equipment
To make this cocktail perfectly every time, you’ll need a few basic bar tools. Here’s what I recommend:
- Cocktail Glass (8-12 oz): A rocks glass or highball glass works beautifully for this recipe
- Shot Glass or Jigger: For accurate measuring precision matters in cocktails! Check out this measuring cups and spoons set for perfect pours
- Citrus Juicer: Fresh juice makes all the difference. A handheld citrus reamer or electric juicer both work great
- Mixing Spoon: A long bar spoon helps blend ingredients without over-diluting. Browse quality kitchen utensils for your bar setup
- Cutting Board: For slicing garnishes. A good cutting board is essential
- Sharp Knife: Makes citrus prep effortless. Invest in quality chef’s knives for easy slicing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Fill your 8-12 oz glass completely with ice. The more ice you use, the slower your drink will dilute, keeping it perfectly balanced from first sip to last.
Step 2: Juice Your Blood Orange
Cut your blood orange in half and use a citrus juicer to extract all the juice. You should get approximately 2-3 oz of juice from one medium blood orange. Strain out any seeds if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Spirits
Using your shot glass or jigger, measure and pour 1 oz of gin into the ice-filled glass. Follow with 1 oz of Aperol. The order doesn’t matter much since you’ll be mixing, but layering can create a beautiful visual effect.
Step 4: Add Fresh Juice
Pour the freshly squeezed blood orange juice over the gin and Aperol. Watch as the colors start to blend naturally, creating that gorgeous sunset gradient.
Step 5: Top with Soda Water
Add a generous splash of soda water about 1-2 oz to top off your glass. This adds refreshing fizz and lightens the drink slightly.
Step 6: Mix and Serve
Use your mixing spoon to gently stir all ingredients together, about 5-6 rotations. Don’t over-stir or you’ll lose the carbonation from the soda water. Serve immediately while ice cold.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Blood Orange Sunset
Chill Your Glass: For an extra-cold cocktail, place your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making your drink.
Use Fresh Juice: Pre-squeezed juice can’t compare to fresh. The vibrant flavor and aroma of freshly juiced blood orange make this cocktail sing.
Don’t Skip the Ice: A full glass of ice keeps your cocktail cold without over-diluting. Use large ice cubes if possible they melt slower.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cocktails, add a bar spoon of simple syrup. For a drier drink, increase the gin slightly and reduce the Aperol.
Garnish Creatively: A blood orange wheel, fresh rosemary sprig, or even a twist of grapefruit peel makes a beautiful presentation.
Batch It: Hosting a party? Multiply the gin, Aperol, and juice quantities, mix in a pitcher, and let guests top their own glasses with soda water.
Variations to Try
Sparkling Sunset: Replace soda water with prosecco for a champagne cocktail variation that’s perfect for celebrations.
Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or basil to the glass before mixing for an aromatic dimension.
Spicy Sunset: Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the glass before adding ice for a spicy kick.
Citrus Medley: Mix blood orange juice with a splash of grapefruit juice for even more complexity.
Virgin Sunset: Skip the alcohol and use blood orange juice, a splash of orange bitters, and soda water for a sophisticated mocktail.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines as an aperitif before dinner, particularly before Italian or Mediterranean meals. The Aperol and citrus notes prepare your palate beautifully for food.
Pair it with:
- Bruschetta and antipasto platters
- Fresh seafood like shrimp cocktail or oysters
- Light salads with citrus vinaigrette
- Cheese boards featuring fresh mozzarella or aged parmesan
- Grilled vegetables and Mediterranean dips
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead:
Juice Prep: Squeeze blood orange juice up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Shake before using.
Ice Management: Keep your ice bucket well-stocked if making multiple drinks for guests.
Batch Mixing: Combine gin, Aperol, and juice in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Add ice and soda water when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?
Yes, though you’ll lose the distinctive deep red color and slightly more complex flavor. The cocktail will still be delicious, just more traditionally orange in appearance.
What’s the difference between Aperol and Campari?
Aperol is lighter, sweeter, and has 11% alcohol compared to Campari’s 24%. Campari is much more bitter. For this sunset effect and balanced flavor, stick with Aperol.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Use a non-alcoholic gin alternative, skip the Aperol, and add a few dashes of orange bitters to blood orange juice and soda water for a refreshing mocktail.
How long do blood oranges stay fresh?
Store them at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. They’re in peak season from December through May.
Can I use bottled blood orange juice?
Fresh is always best, but if you must use bottled, choose 100% pure blood orange juice without added sugars. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
What size glass should I use?
An 8-12 oz rocks glass or highball glass works perfectly. The size allows enough room for ice and the proper spirit-to-mixer ratio.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredient measurements.
Why Blood Oranges Are Special
Blood oranges get their distinctive deep red color from anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in berries. They’re typically sweeter and less acidic than regular oranges, with subtle raspberry and cranberry notes. This makes them perfect for cocktails where you want natural sweetness and stunning visual appeal without added sugar.
The best varieties include Moro (the darkest), Tarocco (the sweetest), and Sanguinello (perfectly balanced). Any variety works beautifully in this cocktail.
Final Thoughts
The Blood Orange Sunset Cocktail proves that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just four ingredients and five minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality cocktail that looks stunning and tastes even better.
Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a complete beginner, this recipe is forgiving, customizable, and absolutely delicious. The natural beauty of blood oranges combined with the classic Italian aperitif creates something truly special in a glass.
If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any url to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!
Recommended Kitchen Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – Essential for accurate cocktail measurements
- Kitchen Utensils – Includes bar spoons and mixing tools
- Cutting Board – Perfect for citrus prep
- Chef’s Knives – Makes slicing garnishes effortless
- Mixing Bowls – Great for batch cocktail prep
Blood Orange Sunset Cocktail Recipe (5 Minutes, 4 Ingredients!)
A stunning sunset-colored cocktail combining gin, Aperol, and fresh blood orange juice, topped with soda water. Ready in just 5 minutes with 4 simple ingredients. Perfect for happy hour, brunch, or any time you want a refreshing, Instagram-worthy drink.
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
1 oz Gin
1 oz Aperol
1 whole Blood Orange (freshly squeezed, about 2–3 oz juice)
1–2 oz Soda Water
Ice (to fill glass)
Optional: Blood orange wheel or fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill an 8-12 oz glass completely with ice.
2. Cut the blood orange in half and juice it using a citrus juicer. Strain out any seeds. You should have approximately 2-3 oz of fresh juice.
3. Pour 1 oz of gin over the ice using a jigger or shot glass for accurate measurement.
4. Add 1 oz of Aperol to the glass.
5. Pour the fresh blood orange juice into the glass.
6. Top with 1-2 oz of soda water for a refreshing fizz.
7. Gently stir with a bar spoon 5-6 times to combine all ingredients.
8. Garnish with a blood orange wheel or fresh rosemary sprig if desired.
9. Serve immediately while ice cold and enjoy your stunning sunset cocktail!
Notes
For best results, use freshly squeezed blood orange juice. Bottled juice lacks the vibrant flavor and color.
Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the cocktail for an extra-cold drink.
Blood oranges are in season from December through May. If unavailable, regular oranges work but won’t provide the signature deep red color.
Adjust sweetness to taste by adding a bar spoon of simple syrup if desired.
For a champagne variation, replace soda water with prosecco.
This cocktail should be stirred, not shaken, to preserve the carbonation.
Make it a mocktail by omitting the spirits and using blood orange juice, orange bitters, and soda water.