Blood and Sand Cocktail Recipe

The Blood and Sand cocktail is a one-of-a-kind classic!

It features blended Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juice. And it’s light, sweet, fruity, and cherry-forward.

Needless to say, it’s a pretty complex drink!

The name is a nod to the 1922 film starring Rudolph Valentino as a bullfighter.

Who created it is a bit of a mystery. But the cocktail made its first debut in The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock. 

If you’re a fan of the classic Manhattan, you’ll love it! 

Ingredients 

This Blood and Sand cocktail recipe only requires five ingredients. All of which you’ll find at a well-stocked liquor store.

Here’s the shopping list:

• Blended Scotch – Scotch whisky is the base of this drink. Use something affordable but at least mid-shelf for the best drink.

• Sweet Vermouth – A fortified wine that’s sweet, a bit spicy, and a little bitter.

• Cherry Liqueur – The sweetness rounds out the drink. I recommend Heering Cherry Liqueur.

• Orange Juice – Use fresh orange juice or a natural brand without added sugar. Otherwise, the drink may be too sweet. You can also substitute it with blood orange juice.

• Orange Twist – A simple yet classy garnish for this elegant cocktail.

How to Make a Blood and Sand Cocktail 

You can make the Blood and Sand cocktail in just two simple steps. Yes, it’s that easy!

Here’s what to do:

1. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Add everything to a cocktail shaker with ice. Then shake until chilled.

2. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. Add an orange twist, serve, and sip!

Blood and Sand

Course: Drinks

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Calories

162

kcal

The Blood and Sand cocktail is a classic featuring blended Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juice. It’s light, sweet, and one of a kind.

Ingredients

• ice

• 3/4 ounce blended scotch

• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth

• 3/4 ounce Heering cherry liqueur

• 3/4 ounce orange juice, freshly squeezed

• orange twist, for garnish

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the blended scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and fresh orange juice. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
• Strain the mixed cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Chill the glass. Fill it with ice water and set aside while you make the drink. Pour out the water before serving.
• Express the orange twist to boost aroma and flavor. Twist and squeeze it over the drink to release aromatic oils into the glass.