I am really excited to share this cocktail with you. Normally I only enjoy blood orange cocktails in the wintertime when blood oranges are in season. I’ve always loved the unique flavor-profile of blood oranges, they are almost raspberry-like with citrus notes. And the color is quite outstanding.
Driving across town the other day I was thinking about my favorite sparkling Italian soda. It was 90+ degrees and I was so thirsty. I was out shopping for a weekend cocktail party and couldn’t help think my favorite blood orange soda could be made into the perfect martini.
At home I started playing around with some ingredients and honestly I think this is one of my favorite martinis ever made. REALLY! It’s refreshing, balanced and the perfect drink on a hot, summer evening.
I ended up serving them at my cocktail party and they were a hit and so easy to make.
This is my favorite Sparkling Italian Soda, San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa (Blood Orange). It’s a lovely drink on its own, but transformed into a martini, it’s amazing. Wow.
This is available almost anywhere, usually in the nicer supermarkets. Do not substitute the regular orange flavor, it’s not the same. Blood Orange is what you want.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about these lovely things…that’s kind-of scary. However, once you have one, you’ll be in the same boat.
I also wanted to share my favorite citrus juicer. I have tried so many and this squeezer will get juice out of the driest piece of citrus. It’s an absolute must in the kitchen.
Cheers!
Summertime Blood Orange Martinis
Ingredients
- 4 oz San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa Sparkling Beverage
- 2.5 oz vodka (prefer Tito's Handmade)
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- juice of one whole lime
- chipped ice
- slice of lime
Directions
- Add San Pellegrino, vodka, Cointreau and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass filled halfway with chipped ice and a slice of lime.