Blood Orange Spritzer
There’s nothing quite like a crisp, invigorating spritzer to brighten your day, and this blood orange spritzer is just the ticket! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of juicy blood orange, sweet honey and tangy lemon, this drink is the perfect winter mocktail or cocktail!
Erica’s Thoughts
Not that I was much of a drinker before, but this year I’ve (intentionally and unintentionally) stepped into drinking far less/no alcohol.
But sometimes you want a little something special to drink with dinner, ya know what I’m sayin’?? So I’m big into mocktails right now. We are smack dab in the middle of blood orange season so of COURSE I’m fully leaning into it.
I first made these for a Galentine’s girl night (we may or may not have added vodka) and they were a big hit. Anything bubbly, refreshing, citrusy and just a little bit sweet and I’m in.
Fresh-squeezed blood orange juice (hello Vitamin C), hydrating sparkling water and a very simple ‘syrup’ of honey and lemon. This is basically a health drink y’all. You can make a large batch for a crowd or whip up a single serving, enjoy!
What You’ll Need To Make this Blood Orange Drink:
Blood Orange Juice: Snag some blood oranges while they’re in season! If you can’t find blood oranges try cara cara oranges or regular oranges.
Lemon Honey Simple Syrup: We make a very simple syrup with honey, fresh lemon juice and water.
Sparkling Water: I love Topo Chico sparkling mineral water but you can use any sparkling water, club soda or soda water.
Garnishes: fresh mint, a lemon or orange slice or rosemary sprig
How to Make This Blood Orange Spritzer
Begin by preparing the lemon honey simple syrup. Gently warm a mixture of honey, lemon juice, and water, either in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or on the stove over low heat, stirring vigorously until the ingredients are fully combined. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.
While the syrup is cooling, juice your blood orange using a citrus juicer or lemon squeezer to extract the vibrant, tangy juice. Fill a large wine glass or your favorite glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.
Pour in the cooled lemon honey simple syrup, then add the freshly squeezed blood orange juice. Top off the drink with sparkling water, letting the bubbles bring a delightful effervescence to the mix. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and citrus slices.
Expert Tips
- Fresh blood orange juice offers the best taste, so make sure to use ripe, juicy oranges.
- Add the sparkling water right before serving to preserve its fizz.
- If you’re making this as a pitcher, add the sparkling water to each serving instead of dumping it into the pitcher.
Variation Ideas
- Herbal Twist: Try infusing your blood orange spritzer with basil or rosemary for an aromatic upgrade.
- Citrus Mix-Up: Mix in a splash of grapefruit juice or lime juice for more citrus flavor.
- Frozen Treat: For a fun, frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice to create a slushy.
- Happy hour: This makes a great cocktail too! Add 1 1/2 oz of vodka, gin, tequila, or your favorite spirit.
- Blood orange aperol spritz: Add 2oz aperol and replace the sparkling water with prosecco.
FAQs
Sure! You can make this with regular orange juice, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, etc.
The syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon honey syrup to your taste. For a less sweet version, you might reduce the syrup slightly or add extra sparkling water.
What alcohol would work well to make this a blood orange cocktail?I’m partial to vodka and gin (both very good in this) and I think silver tequila would be excellent as well.
If you love this blood orange mocktail you’ll love these other fun drink ideas:
CHEERS!
If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! If you love more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, @itsaflavorfullife, I love connecting with you all there!
Print
Blood Orange Spritzer
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 spritzer 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Juice
- Cuisine: American
Description
Vibrant citrus, refreshing sparkling water, and a hint of honey-lemon sweetness makes this blood orange spritzer perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Single mocktail:
- 3oz blood orange juice (juice of 1 blood orange)
- 3/4 oz lemon honey syrup (recipe below)
- 3oz sparkling water
- fresh mint, orange slices, lemon slices, for garnish
Pitcher (serves 4):
- 12oz blood orange juice (juice from 4 blood oranges)
- 1/2 cup lemon honey simple syrup (entire recipe below)
- 12–16oz sparkling water
Lemon honey simple syrup:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: Whisk together the honey, lemon juice and water. This will be easiest if the mixture is a little warm. You can do this by microwaving for 20-30 seconds or simmering in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well combined and then let cool slightly.
- Juice blood orange(s): Use a citrus juicer or lemon squeezer to juice the orange(s).
- Assemble: Add ice cubes or crushed ice to a glass. Pour in 3/4oz lemon honey simple syrup, 3oz blood orange juice and finish it off with sparkling water! Garnish with citrus slices and fresh mint.
Pitcher: In a large pitcher combine the blood orange juice and lemon honey simple syrup. Fill each glass halfway and top it off with sparkling water. Garnish as desired.
Notes
Make it alcoholic: add 1 ½ oz vodka, gin or tequila to each drink.
Refer to above blog post for step-by-step photos, ingredient information, variation ideas and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spritzer
- Calories: 79
- Sugar: 18.3 g
- Sodium: 0.9 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
