Blood and Sand
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Blood and Sand
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.34 / 5
Blood and Sand is a classic cocktail that gets its unique name and vibrant color from the combination of ingredients used in its creation. This drink originated in the 1920s and was named after the 1922 silent film, "Blood and Sand," starring Rudolph Valentino. The cocktail features a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The use of blood orange juice, red vermouth, cherry liqueur, and whiskey gives this cocktail a rich and complex flavor profile. The blood orange juice adds a tangy and slightly bitter note, while the red vermouth and cherry liqueur bring a sweet and fruity element. The whiskey adds a bold and smoky undertone, giving this cocktail a smooth and well-rounded taste. Overall, Blood and Sand is a flavorful and well-balanced cocktail that is sure to please any palate.
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Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
Base ingredient
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Whiskey
Calories
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130 calories
Garnish
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Cocktail cherry, orange
Alcohol content
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17.75% | 1.42 units *

Tags

Whiskey ingredient icon
Whiskey cocktails
Cherry liqueur ingredient icon
Top ten Cherry liqueur cocktails
Blood orange juice ingredient icon
Top ten Blood orange juice cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Blood orange juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Blood and Sand cocktail
Blood orange juice
Red vermouth cocktail ingredient icon for the Blood and Sand cocktail
Red vermouth
Cherry liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the Blood and Sand cocktail
Cherry liqueur
Whiskey cocktail ingredient icon for the Blood and Sand cocktail
Whiskey
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Blood and Sand cocktail skillfully marries the smoky undertones of whiskey with the tartness of blood orange juice, creating an intriguing dance of flavors. This drink leverages the sweetness of cherry liqueur and the herbal notes of red vermouth to round out a complex but harmonious profile that's both vibrant and robust, truly a testament to the Roaring Twenties' flair for the dramatic.

Method
How to make a Blood and Sand

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
Shake well then double strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a flamed orange peel and a maraschino cherry and serve

Power tips
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Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for its vibrant color and flavor, adding a fresh and tangy note to the cocktail.
Add a few drops of orange bitters to enhance the citrus elements and bring out a more refined complexity.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Double  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history or origin of the Blood and Sand cocktail?

The Blood and Sand cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1920s and is named after the 1922 silent movie 'Blood and Sand'. The movie starred Rudolph Valentino as a bullfighter, which is thought to have inspired the cocktail's name. It's one of the few classic cocktails that includes Scotch whisky and has remained popular due to its unique combination of ingredients that balance sweetness, bitterness, and the smokiness of Scotch.

Garnishing tips icon

How should the Blood and Sand cocktail be garnished?

The Blood and Sand cocktail is traditionally garnished with a cherry or an orange peel to complement its citrus and cherry flavors. The bright garnish adds a visual appeal and an extra layer of aroma and flavor that enhances the overall drinking experience.

Faq icon

Can I use any type of whiskey for the Blood and Sand cocktail?

While you can use different types of whiskey based on personal preference, the classic Blood and Sand cocktail is specifically made with Scotch whisky due to its distinct smoky flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the cherry liqueur and the tartness of the blood orange juice. Using a Scotch whisky, especially a blended one, is recommended to stay true to the original flavor profile.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Blood and Sand cocktail?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Blood and Sand cocktail by substituting the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives. Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for the whiskey, a non-alcoholic red vermouth, and a non-alcoholic cherry syrup or liqueur. The key is to maintain the balance of sweet, sour, and rich flavors characteristic of the original cocktail.

Alcohol content comparison icon

What is the significance of the alcohol content in the Blood and Sand cocktail?

The Blood and Sand cocktail has an alcohol content of 17.75%, which places it in the category of moderately strong cocktails. This alcohol content signifies that while the cocktail has a notable amount of alcohol, the combination of juices and cherry liqueur makes it a balanced and approachable drink. The alcohol content contributes to the cocktail's body and warmth, making it suitable for sipping and savoring, rather than quick consumption.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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