This amazing bourbon blood orange cocktail combines the tangy flavor and beautiful color of blood oranges with bourbon, bitters and rosemary simple syrup.

I don't know about y'all, but one thing I'm always longing for in the cold winter months are the bright, vibrant colors and flavors of the fruits and veggies of summer. Luckily for all of us, citrus fruits are winter crops.
Though blood oranges are seasonal they are so fabulous in taste and beautiful that you will want to make the most of them while they're available. This recipe does just that, and combines them with another favorite - bourbon. The result is this vibrant cocktail that will warm you from the inside out!
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Ingredients and substitutions for your cocktail
The list of ingredients is short and this drink can even be customized to make a Blood Orange Cocktail with Vodka if you're not a whiskey drinker.
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- Blood oranges are first and foremost. We juice our own with one of our top recommended tools - this handy citrus juicer. But you can order blood orange juice online if you prefer. (not an affiliate)
- Rosemary Simple Syrup. It's super "simple" to make even if you don't have rosemary growing at home like we do. Just grab a package of the fresh herb in your produce department and follow our directions below. For extra ease you can order your simple syrup here.
- Bourbon - ah, the bourbon. You want to use the best you can without going overboard. In other words, if you've got a special small batch that you paid big bucks for you'll want to save that for sipping all by itself. Also, as mentioned above, you can substitute vodka here if you prefer.
- Angostura Bitters - Just a dash or two balances the flavors of the drink. If you want to learn more about angostura bitters you can read here.

How to make your cocktail
- First, you'll make your simple syrup so it has time to cool. These directions make enough for a cup so you'll have leftovers for more drinks or other uses (keep it in the fridge).
- Next, you'll juice the oranges (if you didn't buy your juice). If you like a pulpy drink with little bits of orange just leave it. If you prefer to have those filtered out you'll strain it.
- Now just mix all of the ingredients. You can stir with a long cocktail spoon or shake in a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes.
- Pour it over ice and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a wedge of orange.
How to make rosemary simple syrup
All that goes into traditional simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water. Bring it to a boil while the sugar dissolves, then add a few sprigs of rosemary for a couple minutes before taking it off the heat. Let it cool to room temperature, strain out the rosemary and voila!
We used 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water with 3-4 sprigs of rosemary.

Tips, tricks and adjustments
Naturally, the amount of whiskey can be adjusted according to how strong you like your drinks.
The oranges available to you will make a difference, too, because blood oranges can be a bit on the tart side. If yours are sweeter you may not want to use as much simple syrup.
The size of the oranges and the amount of juice you get from them varies too. For 10 ounces of juice (the amount needed for two of these blood orange cocktails) you'll need to juice between 6 and 8 oranges.
Love bourbon and orange together?
Bourbon and orange flavors truly are a match made in heaven. If you're a real bourbon lover you'll want to try this Bourbon Cocktail with Honey and Orange also. In that one the whiskey is the real star of the drink!
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📖 Recipe

Blood Orange Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
- 10 ounces blood orange juice
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces rosemary simple syrup directions to make in notes
- 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and stir or shake.
- Pour over ice in a highball glass and garnish.
Notes
- Blood oranges can be juiced and strained (if desired). Approximately 6-8 oranges will be needed to make 10 ounces of juice.
- Rosemary simple syrup can be made by combining 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves. Add a few rosemary sprigs and boil one minute, then remove from heat to cool. Strain before using.
- Vodka may be substituted for bourbon to make a Blood Orange Vodka Cocktail.
Nutrition
Making these blood orange cocktails for a party? Check out these appetizers, too!






Tayler Ross says
What a gorgeous cocktail! This would be perfect for Valentine's Day!
Pam says
That's what we were thinking too. Thanks, Tayler!
Jillian says
These pictures are beautiful! Any suggestions on how to make this as a 'mocktail'?
Pam says
Thank you so much, Jillian. The flavors would still be complex and interesting if you just leave out the bourbon.
Kellie Anderson says
I make rosemary syrup for using in a triple citrus and pomegranate margarita, but this sounds much simpler and just as good
Pam says
Thanks, Kellie.... and yum, your margarita sounds awesome too!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
Blood oranges are my favorite and I love using them in the winter. They make the best cocktails but I have never added rosemary to one. Great flavor combo. Looks like the perfect house cocktail for wine night in my neighborhood!
Pam says
Thanks, Karen. Wouldn't it be fun to greet guests at the door with one of these cocktails?
Kelly Anthony says
Loving the colors of this blood orange bourbon cocktail! I also love anything with rosemary so this drink is making me double excited!
Pam says
It's an awesome flavor combination, Kelly. Thank you!
Ginny McMeans says
Wow! I've already seen this on the internet and I thought about how much I wanted to make it. Now you've reminded me so thanks so much!
Pam says
Happy to remind you, Ginny! However, we believe you will only find this unique combination of flavors at Biscuits and Burlap. We developed the recipe to have some fun twists, unlike any others.