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And here it is – elegant and refined Southern front porch ‘sipping’ at its best; so say hello to the Spiced Blood Orange Sour.
There is no substitute, no store bought mix from a bottle or a pouch, or ANY simple syrup could rival this one. The exotic spices are not difficult to find, all available at the grocer. When the sugar, spiced simply syrup, citrus, and the ginger in this method ‘marry,’ only a sophisticated, earthy liquor like Scotch dares flirt with it. And then, there is the reticent blood orange. Available for only a few months here in the US annually, it’s best to grab a bag (or three!) and plan to enjoy this refined porch sipping libation at home while you enjoy the view.
Normally, I’d shrill at the thought of mixing a decent Scotch (anything particularly peaty), with anything else. After all, it’s defeating to the entire purpose of distilling the planets greatest liquor in the first place. Yes, as I am sure it’s not a surprise, I am a Scotch fan.
I realize Scotch isn’t for everybody. But I may more easily tempt you into trying it if you have not already with this charmed elixir. It can be shaken with an entry level brand for beginner Scotch connoisseurs just to introduce the palette. Trust me, I may not convert you to becoming a Scotch drinker. But I can guarantee you will want a second one of these darlings.
The secret is in the spiced simple syrup. Cardamom, clove, black peppercorns, star anise, and stick cinnamon all marry. Combined, they perfume a key element of the drink. They present a warm sweet flavor that embodies what it means to be thoroughly refreshed.
Table of Contents
- I like hosting gatherings where I can offer a featured cocktail. I do so in addition to a few select beers and some good bottles of both red and white wines.
- Aside from the ridiculous cleanup after my drop-ins, I and my little featured cocktail, are always a progressive party hit!
- Do You Have What Is Needed For The Spiced Blood Orange Sour?
- The Spiced Blood Orange Sour Recipe
I like hosting gatherings where I can offer a featured cocktail. I do so in addition to a few select beers and some good bottles of both red and white wines.
In some cases, serving a featured cocktail gives me an opportunity to show off my Great Grandmother’s punch bowl. I’ve also been known to whip out my nifty 1915 flea market champagne glasses. I try to use them for nearly every event that screams ‘libations.’ Recently, I had a chance to do just that.
On the occasion that this drink was first served as a featured cocktail in my home, I was hosting a drop-in. It was part of a larger progressive dinner in my neighborhood at Christmastime. Folks were to arrive at mine for the cocktails and nibbles. They would move onto heavy hors d’oeuvres at the next. And then onto the house featuring the main courses, and so on.
To pair things nicely with any citrus beverage, I tend to think savory. The spiced simple syrup is a pronounced flavor component in this beverage. So, in this case, a mix of both savory and sweet work well.
Aside from the ridiculous cleanup after my drop-ins, I and my little featured cocktail, are always a progressive party hit!
I was the first of five homes as part of the progressive. I wanted some ‘stick to your ribs’ appetizers. Platters were strategically located throughout the downstairs. The goal was for folks to enjoy. I selected hors d’oeuvres to “balance.” It was sure to be an evening of overindulgence for some.
I offered Homemade Southern Pecan Cheddar Wafers by the pound. A massive centerpiece took over the center of my gallery. I loaded it with both Brie, Coppa and Raspberry Crostini, as well as my favorite Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini. I hired out hot and cold passed hors d’oeuvres to be circulated. A second centerpiece of mounding crab cocktail occupied the dining room. I also scattered an array of hand-painted chocolates near each nibble station.
Do You Have What Is Needed For The Spiced Blood Orange Sour?
granulated sugar
green cardamom pods
whole cloves
star anise
cinnamon stick
blood orange for juicing and zesting
a knob of fresh ginger
Scotch
fresh lemon juice
water and ice
bitters
ground cinnamon
The Spiced Blood Orange Sour
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
for the simple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 10 green cardamom pods
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 whole black peppercorns
- 3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 blood orange zest, about a 3-inch strip
- fresh ginger, about a ½-inch piece, peeled and smashed slightly with the side of a cutting knife
for the Spiced Blood Orange Sour
- 2 ounces Scotch
- 4 teaspoons blood orange juice
- 4 teaspoons simple syrup, see ingredients above
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- ice
optional garnishes
- 3 dashes bitters, for garnish
- blood orange zest, grated, for garnish
- cinnamon, for dusting
Instructions
make the simple syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine all the syrup ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and let cool completely in the saucepan. Strain into an airtight jar and keep in the refrigerator.
shake up The Spiced Blood Orange Sour
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Scotch, blood orange juice, spiced syrup, and lemon juice. Shake for a few seconds until frothy, then add ice and shake until well chilled. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. Garnish with bitters, finely grated blood orange zest, and a dusting of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
