Give the classic cocktail a bright citrus makeover when you mix up a Blood Orange Whiskey Sour. Blood orange juice lends both color and flavor that compliments the bold notes of whiskey.
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About this Blood Orange Whiskey recipe
The whiskey sour earned its status as a classic cocktail thanks to its balanced trio of ingredients. The cocktail brings together tart lemon, sweet sugar and strong bourbon for an easy, elegant sipper.
This colorful take transforms the classic, swapping the traditional citrus for blood orange. The result is a sweeter, more colorful version that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it for homemade happy hour or at your next dinner party — it’s sure to impress!
Note from the author
2025 update: This is a recipe that’s been on the site for years (since 2016) and I felt like it needed a refresh! I did some testing to perfect the recipe. I know you’re going to love it!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s a tasty twist on a classic cocktail. Thanks to a few tweaks to the ingredient list, this drink becomes its own.
- Quick and approachable to make. Despite its elegant appearance, this drink is easy to make!
- Perfect for any occasion. Dress this drink up or down to fit the bill.
Ingredients & essentials
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
The classic whiskey sour uses lemon juice, simple syrup and an egg white for a frothy sip. Add some blood orange juice and you’ll get color and flavor that transforms the drink. I tried making this using blood orange syrup, but I found that the end result was too sweet for my taste. Instead, I preferred using fresh blood orange juice for that citrus boost.
A large ice cube will melt more slowly and prevent your drink from becoming watered down. Place it into your glass — I used a rocks glass — and use ice cubes in your shaker to cool things down. Don’t forget to add a piece of orange zest for even more citrus fragrance.
Best whiskey for sours
When it comes to sours, bourbon is the most common type of whiskey to use, but you can also use other types like rye whiskey, Irish whiskey or even Scotch.
As with any spirit, my recommendation is to use the best bottle you can afford. Higher quality liquor brings better flavor to your drink. Of course, if you already have a favorite, feel free to use that!
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Instructions
You’ll want to prep your ice ahead of time so it’s ready to chill your drink. Clear ice provides the best presentation (and it’s easier than you think).
Unlike some drinks, this recipe uses the dry shake method, which means you shake it without ice, and then you add ice, and then you shake it again. That helps you get a really thick, foamy egg white layer. Don’t jump the gun and add ice too soon — now let’s get shaking!
- Add your blood orange juice, lemon juice and whiskey to a cocktail shaker * without ice.
- Add your egg white to your other ingredients in your shaker.
Tip title. This drink requires plenty of shaking to achieve the frothy texture you know and love in a whiskey sour.
- Shake well, then add ice to your shaker and shake again until your drink is frothy and foamy.
- Strain your drink into your glass over a large ice cube. Enjoy!
raw egg warning
Egg whites from pasteurized eggs are safe for cocktails. Egg whites give drinks a silky texture with a foamy layer on top. You can also use liquid egg whites, aquafaba or non-egg foam alternative for cocktails to attain a similar effect.
Caution: Raw eggs can carry a risk of illness.
Serving suggestions
Since this drink stars citrus, pair it with savory bites to balance things out. It would be great at a dinner party or alongside heavy apps like spinach artichoke wonton cups and a charcuterie board.
Since this drink requires vigorous shaking to create the foamy texture, it’s tricky to make ahead of time. To keep yourself from getting stuck behind the bar, you can pre-measure your ingredients and have everything ready to mix when everyone is ready to enjoy.
FAQ
Egg whites from pasteurized eggs are safe for cocktails and give drinks a silky texture with a foamy layer on top. You can also use liquid egg whites, aquafaba or non-egg foam alternative for cocktails to attain a similar effect.
If you don’t have blood oranges, regular oranges will work too! Just know that the color of your drink will differ.
Leave a comment or tap the ★★★★★ below to leave a rating — it helps others and supports our work. We love hearing how it turned out!
Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce blood orange juice freshly-squeezed
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly-squeezed
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 large egg white
- ½ cup ice cubes for shaking
- 1 large ice cube for serving
- 1 piece blood orange zest for garnish
instructions
- In a cocktail shaker * (without ice), add whiskey, blood orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white.2 ounces bourbon whiskey, 1 ounce blood orange juice, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1 large egg white
- Shake well, then add ice cubes to the shaker. Shake again until frothy and foamy.½ cup ice cubes
- Strain into a rocks glass * with a large ice cube. Garnish with blood orange zest.1 large ice cube, 1 piece blood orange zest
notes
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Melissa says
Love this! I made bourbon sours with fresh lemons and rosemary last night. Such a good drink. I’m excited to try this blood orange variation.
Susannah says
Oh, that sounds so amazing Melissa! I am going to try that! My rosemary plant is flourishing.
Jenna @ A Savory Feast says
YUM! I love anything blood orange and have always wanted to try it in a mixed drink. Pinning this for when I’m not preggo!
Susannah says
Yes! I’m sure you could make some delicious mocktails with blood orange juice in the meantime! Thanks for stopping by, Jenna!