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
1
servings5
minutes162
kcalThe 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.
