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    Home Β» Drinks Β» Blood Orange Sparkler

    Mar 17, 2011 Β· Modified: Feb 17, 2019 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 35 Comments

    Blood Orange Sparkler

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Blood Orange Sparkler is a simple blood orange cocktail with a splash of ginger ale and champagne. It's a lovely winter brunch cocktail, but can be enjoyed any time of day!

    Head-on view of a blood orange cocktail with blood orange wedge garnish on a marble surface with a second cocktail and bottle of champagne in the background and recipe title at top

    I used to save my drink posts for Fridays a la Cocktail Friday. But then I got out the champagne on a Wednesday evening. And then I remembered that some like to refer to Thursday as Thirsty Thursday. Though I don't know if anyone actually does that for real after college. My friends and I often say it to each other jokingly, which I think means we're old because it's almost always just a joke.

    These days, you can often find me on Thursday evenings sipping some tea or V8 (love it? hate it? I'm V8 addicted!). Mayyybe a glass or two of red wine on occasion. I'm not sure if that qualifies as Thirsty Thursday behavior. Though I guess it does beat the alternative. Get out the V8 whooo!!! Chug chug!

    In any event, now that it's blood orange season, I want ALL the blood oranges. And that includes in my cocktails. Um, with some champagne added in, of course. Popping open a bottle on "hump day" is exactly what the week needed. And now that it's Thursday, it's even more appropriate. Plus, it's St. Patrick's Day and uh, the ginger-ale bottle is green? Whatever, it's alcohol and that's all you really care about on St. Paddy's Day, right? That's what I thought.

    BLOOD ORANGE SPARKLER COCKTAIL RECIPE:

    If you love blood oranges as much as I do, it's quite likely blood orange cocktails will make you very excited. I mean, the color of this alone is enough reason to love it. And the taste is another! Essentially, it's a blood orange mimosa... With a splash of ginger ale added in for good measure. There's nothing complicated or fancy about it; but it's simple and delicious.

    It was cold and I was feeling lazy and didn't feel like walking to the grocery store, though I knew I wanted to make this drink. Since I set up my mobile office at Bruegger's for the day (best mobile office ever!), I decided to run into Trader Joe's to see if, by chance, they had blood oranges. And they did!! A whole bag of them for under $3. Score!

    Every time I cut open a blood orange, I marvel at its beauty. But let's just say that juicing them can get a bit messy.

    A blood orange half on a cutting board with citrus reamer and juice blood orange halves in the background

    When Chris walked in the door, he proclaimed the kitchen looked like a scene from Dexter. Dexter, in case you haven't watched, is a very excellent show. And this is coming from someone who really only likes reality television and shows like Greek (so sad it's over!) and Parenthood (best show on television!). By the way, what did everyone think about the Bachelor? I was happy initially, but really disappointed that I don't think they're going to work out. Also, I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. watching All. 3. Hours. Because I have an addiction and couldn't go to bed until it was done.

    Oh, back to the blood oranges. Yup, they can get a little messy. But messy cooking/cocktailing is my favorite kind of cooking/cocktailing.

    Freshly squeezed blood orange juice in a measuring cup

    Juicing the oranges was really the hardest part of this whole production (which you should get a reamer for). The rest is just opening bottles and pouring liquids in... mixologist style.

    And with that, I discovered the perfect "omg is winter almost over?? drink." That would also be delightful all summer long if only blood oranges would remain in season. Speaking of, I keep forgetting I have a pool at my apartment building since I didn't move in until August last year. Then all the sudden I'll remember and get SO ridiculously excited. Memorial day, can you please hurry up? I think I need to freeze some blood orange juice so I can make this my new pool drink.

    Overhead view of a blood orange cocktail on a marble surface with ice and a blood orange wedge garnish with bottle of champagne and second cocktail in background

    Like I said, this blood orange cocktail is really like a fancy mimosa. But when I say fancy, I mean it's so, so much better. And prettier. And larger. Who wants a cocktail served in a little champagne glass anyway??

    Landscape head-on closeup of a blood orange cocktail on a marble tray with bottle of champagne, second cocktail, and blood orange half in the background

    Also, blood oranges will be added to every fruit salad I make from now on. They're pretty and so tasty... If you've never had one, they actually taste a little bit like berries... definitely different than a typical orange. And messy. I'd wear an apron if I were you. Or at least not your nicest sweater (I may or not be speaking from experience here).

    Head-on view of a blood orange cocktail with blood orange wedge garnish on a marble surface with a second cocktail and bottle of champagne in the background

    So, maybe this blood orange cocktail isn't totally St. Patrick's Day appropriate and maybe you should go drink a Guinness or something. Or maybe you should appreciate the fact that blood orange season is so fleeting and take full advantage of the fact that they're plentiful right now.

    Are you a fan of blood oranges

    Happy almost weekend πŸ™‚

    If you like this blood orange cocktail, check out my Blood Orange Habanero Cocktail and my Grapefruit Blood Orange Cocktail. I'm also in love with this Blood Orange Margarita from Dishes Delish!

    Blood Orange Sparkler -- This Blood Orange Sparkler is a simple blood orange cocktail with a splash of ginger ale and champagne. It's a lovely winter brunch cocktail, but can be enjoyed any time of day! | wearenotmartha.com

    Blood Orange Sparkler

    This Blood Orange Sparkler is a simple blood orange cocktail with a splash of ginger ale and champagne. It's a lovely winter brunch cocktail, but can be enjoyed any time of day!
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    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Blood Orange, Champagne
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Makes: 2 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 Β½ cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice
    • Β½ cup ginger ale
    • Β½ cup champagne or prosecco

    Instructions

    • Fill glasses with ice and pour ΒΎ cup blood orange juice, ΒΌ cup ginger ale, and ΒΌ cup champagne into each.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. leaf (the indolent cook) says

      March 17, 2011 at 9:58 pm

      Love blood orange, and that looks like such a refreshing beverage. Also - I wish we have Trader Joe's here. Have a lovely weekend!

    2. Ann says

      March 17, 2011 at 9:58 pm

      These look great! Blood oranges always kind of scare and impress me at the same time. This would be a great party drink, you could make a pitcher of the mixer in advance, and add the champagne in for serving!

    3. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

      March 17, 2011 at 10:03 pm

      I would chug this like you chug V8! πŸ˜‰ I love blood oranges and this sparkler sounds fantastic. And yes, I think for St. Paddy's (or Thirsty Thursday) as long as there's alcohol, all is well!

    4. theUngourmet says

      March 18, 2011 at 2:29 am

      Oh how I love Blood Oranges. You are so right, this is the perfect poolside drink! Bring on Summer! πŸ™‚

      -Kim

    5. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

      March 18, 2011 at 5:35 am

      Those blood oranges are gorgeous! I've actually never seen Dexter but someone else made the same reference regarding the blood oranges recently.

    6. Simply Life says

      March 18, 2011 at 7:23 am

      oh this drink is way too fun - sangria definitely makes me crave summer (and Spain)!

    7. Bridget says

      March 18, 2011 at 8:08 am

      This is my kind of cocktail!! Light, citrusy, and not much alcohol haha! This makes me want to mix up something yummy! I never make myself cocktails at home, but maybe that should change πŸ˜‰

    8. Amy says

      March 18, 2011 at 8:29 am

      ooo that looks delightful! i've never had a blood orange - do they taste any different?? mmmm yum!!

    9. Jess says

      March 18, 2011 at 8:37 am

      Ooh love V8 and blood oranges. But they both make a big mess! (especially if the V8 falls out of your fridge onto the floor, cover breaks, and goes everywhere. Not that this EVER happened to me.)

    10. Michelle says

      March 18, 2011 at 9:01 am

      I adore blood orange anything. I have a bottle of sparkling blood orange juice in the fridge from Trader Joe's and tend to have that with champagne or with some vodka.

    11. sweeter salt says

      March 18, 2011 at 10:22 am

      That looks so delightful. My friend and I are planning a champagne evening Saturday night, so perhaps some blood orange juice may need to be added! I got that same bag at Trader Joe's, so I suppose that would be the perfect use for them πŸ™‚

      Laura

    12. Helene says

      March 18, 2011 at 10:33 am

      Great cocktail to start the week-end.!

    13. Nicole says

      March 18, 2011 at 10:38 am

      What a pretty drink. Blood oranges make everything better! I was excited to find them at Trader Joe's, too and ours carries cara cara oranges. Score.

    14. Chris says

      March 18, 2011 at 10:39 am

      Can I get one of these tonight? Please!

    15. Ashley says

      March 18, 2011 at 10:41 am

      I am 29 and my girlfriends and I still enjoy Thirsty Thursday....it's always ladies night...no matter what! Either at the bar or home in our comfy clothes with a bottle of vino πŸ™‚ This drink is definitely invited to my first ""Thirsty Thursday, Patio Party" yes, I still host patio parties...:)

    16. Beth @ DiningAndDishing says

      March 18, 2011 at 10:50 am

      Blood orange is such a gorgeous fruit - I absolutely love the color of that drink!

      Mojitos and margaritas totally remind me of summer :).

    17. Daisy says

      March 18, 2011 at 10:52 am

      I really want to make this! I've never worked with blood oranges (such a shame) but since I have a REAL juicer this is the perfect opportunity.

      PS Jealous that you have a pool
      PPS I thought Chantal was going to win.

    18. Susi says

      March 18, 2011 at 11:14 am

      This looks like one delicious drink! The addition of blood orange juice is awesome. I'm bookmarking this one, as I can think of plenty of occasions I can serve this. πŸ™‚

    19. Monique says

      March 18, 2011 at 11:17 am

      i love frosty margaritas.

      Question, what is the difference in flavor of a blood orange vs a regular orange (if any)?

    20. Mary @ Delightful Bitefuls says

      March 18, 2011 at 12:03 pm

      GREAT colors! Oooo this just looks wonderful... would it be bad to say I could go for one right now? πŸ˜‰

    21. emily @ the happy home says

      March 18, 2011 at 12:51 pm

      my good friend has a blood orange tree, that i covet. talk about the perfect post-Patty's day Brunch drink!

    22. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says

      March 18, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      That is one pretty orange! I'm heading to Trader Joe's! Great looking cocktail, adding this to the list! One of my favorites is White Sangria!

    23. Erin says

      March 18, 2011 at 1:46 pm

      These look amazing guys!! I love mimosa's so this takes it to a whole new level!!! πŸ™‚

    24. Eva says

      March 18, 2011 at 3:21 pm

      That looks so beautiful! And it sounds delicious, to boot! Next time I throw a party I will definitely be making these.

    25. Susan (Oliepants) says

      March 18, 2011 at 5:19 pm

      This is so pretty! I have been wanting to experiment with blood oranges more - this would be an easy peasy way to start!

    26. Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather says

      March 18, 2011 at 6:15 pm

      Blood oranges look amazing! They're definitely a stand out fruit. Love the drink. It looks so refreshing!

    27. Sues says

      March 18, 2011 at 6:38 pm

      @Monique and @Amy- I find blood oranges to be a bit sweeter than naval with a bit of a berry taste to them. You know how often when you peel an orange, you never know what it's going to be like? Blood oranges all seem to be sweet a juicy πŸ™‚ Not a HUGE difference, but the color is stunning!

    28. Megan says

      March 19, 2011 at 10:39 am

      That looks like a great way to welcome spring! I too love Parenthood! Best show!! And same thoughts about The Bachelor... though I'm hopeful they can pull through now that they can actually see each other.

    29. Deborah Dowd says

      March 19, 2011 at 10:06 pm

      Just looking at your photo makes me thirsty- this is a must try for my summer beach vacation!

    30. Katie @The Small Boston Kitchen says

      March 20, 2011 at 10:49 am

      Blood orange = good. Champagne = great. Blood Orange + Champagne = Excellent! Glad you bended the rules and enjoyed this drink on a Thurs πŸ™‚

    31. The Duo Dishes says

      March 20, 2011 at 12:50 pm

      Very pretty. And better than soda for sure!

    32. Kerstin says

      March 20, 2011 at 1:09 pm

      Blood oranges are so pretty - love this drink! I'll take one any day of the week πŸ™‚

    33. Meesh says

      March 20, 2011 at 8:09 pm

      hahaha omg! i literally just posted a post that i used blood orange and champagne as well. I've had some pretty serious fails recently so i was determined to make something delicious, and the key was champagne! My recipe was just blood orange, champagne (andre) and cointreau and it turned out AMAZING. the downside was that I had to juice 20 blood oranges but it was so worth it.

    34. jewel at EatDrinkShopLove says

      March 30, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      Yum! I love Blood Oranges.

    35. Txlady57 says

      March 30, 2011 at 5:39 pm

      Sounds uber good! Another is the Chilton. Vodka, club soda, lots a lemons squeezed into and salt the rim! Greeattt summer drink!

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