I have a new obsession: the dwarf blood orange tree I just bought for my husband. It’s sitting in our driveway waiting to be moved into a bigger pot (we have an extra long driveway where I stash a lot of my citrus trees).
Right now, this tree is adorably small and full of promise.
I’m already dreaming of making my kids squeeze fresh juice for cocktails and dehydrating those deep red slices for garnish (because yes, I’m that mom who puts her kids to work).
There’s just something irresistible about blood oranges — that rich ruby color, that sweet-tart flavor that tastes like citrus made a baby with a raspberry.
And when you mix it with bourbon in a classic sour, all the good stuff happens.
And honestly, it looks so pretty in the glass that even if your first batch of dehydrated orange slices turns out weird (mine have and will again, guaranteed), you won’t care once you take a sip.
Cocktail Making Tips
Blood oranges
Blood orange season runs from December through May, with peak availability in January and February. Their flavor is more complex than regular oranges—sweeter with berry-like notes. If you can’t find blood oranges, regular orange juice works, but you’ll lose that stunning color and unique flavor.
Egg white
Don’t skip it! The egg white creates a luxurious, silky texture and beautiful foam cap that makes this drink special. Raw egg white is safe in cocktails due to the alcohol content, but if you’re concerned, use pasteurized egg whites, aquafaba (chickpea liquid) or Fee Foam as a vegan alternative.
Dry shake
This step is crucial. Shaking without ice first allows the egg white to emulsify properly without being diluted, creating better foam. Don’t rush it—a solid 15-20 second dry shake makes all the difference.
Bourbon selection
Choose a bourbon that’s not too high-proof or overly oaky. Something smooth and slightly sweet, like Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace, will work. The citrus should complement, not compete with, your bourbon.
Mocktail Option: Blood Orange Citrus Fizz
Replace the bourbon with 2 oz of cold-brewed black tea or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative. Combine with the blood orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba).
Follow the same dry shake and wet shake method, then top with 1 oz of club soda for a refreshing fizz.
The tea adds tannins and depth that mimic the bourbon’s complexity, while the club soda adds a little salt to balance it out.
Check Out These Twists on the Recipe
Blood Orange Maple Bourbon Sour: Replace the simple syrup with 0.5 oz pure maple syrup for a richer, more autumnal version with caramel notes.
Smoky Blood Orange Sour: Use a mezcal-bourbon split (1 oz each) for a smoky edge that plays great with Blood Orange. If you’ve ever had a Blood Orange Margarita you know it’s perfection in a glass.
Why You’ll Love It
This cocktail is the perfect mix of classic technique and seasonal flavor. The foam creates a silky finish, while the blood orange adds a citrus twist that sets it apart from a standard whiskey sour.
Plus, that deep ruby color against the white foam is super fun during Halloween and even Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Blood Orange Bourbon Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (or 1 oz aquafaba for vegan version)
- Ice
Garnish
- 3 droppers of blood orange juice or orange bitters (for decoration on the foam)
- Dried blood orange slice
Glass
Coupe or rocks glass
Instructions
- Dry shake: Add the bourbon, blood orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker WITHOUT ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white and creates that signature foam.
- Wet shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass or over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
- Wait 10-15 seconds for the foam to settle and rise to the top.
- Garnish: Using a dropper or carefully from a spoon, add 3 drops of blood orange juice (or orange bitters) on top of the foam. Use a cocktail pick to drag through the drops to create a decorative pattern. Place a dried blood orange slice on the rim or float it on the foam.
