Blood Orange Ginger Spritz is a refreshing fruity cocktail made with freshly squeezed blood oranges, vodka, Aperol, fresh ginger zest and a splash of seltzer water. Healthy MOCKTAIL recipe (without alcohol) included too.
One sip of this zesty Blood Orange Ginger Spritz with the fresh citrus, raspberry essence of the freshly squeezed blood oranges and a little kick from the Aperol and vodka and you are well on your way to a relaxing start to your weekend. We absolutely love our mocktail version too. With all the delicious flavors of the in-season blood oranges, zesty fresh ginger and a splash of seltzer water to tickle your tongue it’s a healthy beverage any time of the day.
What is a BLOOD ORANGE and why are they RED?
Don’t be frightened if you slice into an orange and it is bright crimson red in color. It has not gone bad. Blood oranges are a part of the citrus family and have this unique red crimson color because they have anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful flavonoid pigments that exist in red and purple fruits and vegetables. These flavonoid pigments are known for their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-viral effects and may help prevent some cancers. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber and folate. Bonus!!!
What do blood oranges taste like?
Blood oranges have both a sweet citrus flavor and also the essence of a raspberry. Their aroma is magical and brings a sense of calm. This flavor combination makes it the perfect candidate for a delicious Blood Orange Ginger Spritz. If you have not had a chance to try a blood orange, go for it. You have no idea what you have been missing out on. Have you tried our Blue Elephant Chili Cocktail? If you are big on bold flavors, you are going to love this refreshing beverage. Packed with vitamin C and and a kick from the chilis.
Pointers for keeping your kitchen tidy…
The flesh of a Moro blood orange is very deep crimson color and can stain your counter. It is best to make sure you are on a cutting board and wipe up all your juice right after you are done. Usually a little mild soap and water will remove the stain. If not, a little light bleach water on your cutting board will sort it right out. Using a citrus juicer really saves on time and helps you get every last delicious drop from your blood oranges.
Who invented the Blood Orange Ginger Spritz?
It was a Friday evening and we were about to lose sunlight. We asked the better half to help us get set up so we could just photograph these gorgeous blood oranges before the sun sets. Natural sunlight is king. With this “@#$%%^” weather we have not had many golden moments to bask in the glory of natural light. We were going to bake a dessert, but who the heck wants to bake on a Friday night. No words were said but out came the shaker, the ice and the martini glasses. Lots of sipping and adjusting and after several attempts we have the perfect Blood Orange Ginger Spritz. (Thank you)
Balancing the flavors and warming cooling effects
As you may know, blood oranges are sweet and have a little raspberry essence. In addition, Aperol is slightly sweet. In order to balance the flavor notes in this cocktail we added a little freshly grated ginger and a splash of seltzer water to add a little zip and tingle to your tongue. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) an orange is cooling. However, ginger and alcohol are warming. Mixing the ingredients together balances out the blood orange ginger spritz.
Blood Orange Ginger Spritz Mocktails are delicious and healthy!
What can possibly be better than freshly squeezed blood orange juice, right? Add in a little freshly grated ginger and a splash of fizzy seltzer water and you have a refreshing beverage for any time of the day. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants, warming and is great for digestion. Mocktails (beverages without alcohol) are a great alternative for the designated drivers, mommies to be, kids and anyone who just wants a delicious healthy energizing beverage any time of the day. With spring and summer around the corner, be sure to try one of the refreshing Summertime Non-Alcoholic Fruity Drink Recipes
Blood Orange Ginger Spritz Cocktails are the Life of the party!
Are you ready for spring? We could not be more ready as we look out on to the dreary overcast rain, snow and sleet hoping for a better kind of day. Blood Orange Ginger Spritz Cocktails bring a ray of sunshine into your day with bold crimson colors, sweet and zesty notes that your guests are going to love. Dig out that shaker, grab some ice and let’s get that weekend started!
More Delicious Beverage Recipes
Summertime Non-Alcoholic Fruity Drink Recipes
Homemade Cream Earl Grey Bubble Tea
Tropical Fruit Rambutan Cocktail
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Blood Orange Ginger Spritz
Ingredients
- 2.5 Blood orange
squeezed for juice - 1.4 teaspoon Ginger
freshly grated - 1 oz Aperol
Hold for MOCKTAIL - 1 oz Vodka
Hold for MOCKTAIL - Ice
- 2 oz Seltzer water (sparkling water) – 1-2 ounces (just a splash)- increase to 3-4 ounces for Mocktail version
- 1 Ginger slice
garnish (optional) - 1 Blood Orange slice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cocktail
- Squeeze fresh blood oranges. We used an old fashion hand juicer to get the job done. Reserve a slice or two of blood orange for a garnish. Add your blood orange juice, freshly grated ginger though a fine mesh strainer, then add Aperol, vodka and ice into a shaker. Shake well until incorporated and strain into a martini glass and top with a splash of seltzer water as desired and give it a little stir. Garnish with a slice of ginger and blood orange and enjoy.
Mocktail
- Squeeze fresh blood oranges. We used an old fashion hand juicer to get the job done. Reserve a slice or two of blood orange for a garnish. Add your blood orange juice, freshly grated ginger, ice and add about 3-4 ounces of seltzer water (sparkling water) and stir (Do NOT Shake). Garnish with a slice of ginger and blood orange and enjoy.
Raul says
Such a deep red color -- Did this have a bitter taste?
HWC Magazine says
Hi Raul! The deep red color comes from the sweet blood oranges. This drink is not bitter but slightly sweet from the oranges, a little spicy and fresh from the ginger and a little aromatic from the Aperol. It is quite refreshing. Give it a go and let us know what you think.
Ken says
Now this is interesting! Blood Oranges? I've seen them sometimes but never bought one... If it goes with Vodka, I have to try one.
HWC Magazine says
Hiya Ken! Blood Oranges are little sweeter than regular oranges but their color is just gorgeous. We hope you give this recipe a try.
Gerlinde@Sunnycovechef says
My girlfriend just brought me some blood oranges and I am making your drink tomorrow. Prost!
HWC Magazine says
So happy to hear dear Gerlinde! If we have to be stuck inside we might as well enjoy a little refreshment too, right? Stay well and take care