This Blood Orange Gin and Tonic recipe is a vibrant, sweet and citrusy cocktail! Using good quality brands in your gin and tonic can make a huge difference, so I’ve included my recommendations for which ones to use in this drink. It can be made in single servings or easily scaled up to serve in a pitcher at your next event.
Unlike Meyer lemons, which I find to be a bit overhyped, blood oranges are an ingredient that I truly love working with every year. I always look forward to their arrival in the middle of winter. Not only are they visually stunning, but their flavor is notably different from other oranges.
The flavor is sweeter. More vibrant. Blood oranges almost have a ruby red grapefruit quality, if you were to remove all traces of the bitterness and replace them with sunshine.
It feels natural to pair this vibrant juice with my favorite cocktail. I’ve been a gin and tonic drinker for several years now, though recently I’ve been trying to branch out and order other cocktails when I’m out with friends. I’m really boring when it comes to drinks. But I can’t help it. I like what I like.
This is a drink where the quality of the ingredients will have a major impact in the outcome. They make the difference between a happy hour special and a drink you want to savor. You don’t need to use the priciest brands for gin and tonic recipes, but I avoid rail gins such as Tanqueray, and cheaper tonics like Canada Dry or Schweppes.
If you’re willing to pay just a bit more, you’ll get much smoother results, and it’s worth trying a nice version if you’re only gin and tonic experience thus far is the cheaper version. I don’t like that one at all and like I said, this is my favorite cocktail.
A few years ago, my friend introduced me to Bombay Sapphire Gin, and I think it’s very reasonably priced for what you get. Most bars seem to carry it, so it’s what I typically order when I’m out. That’s my recommendation for this version, though there are plenty of other great gins on the market.
Next up: tonic water. Fever Tree is a tasty brand that works well in this recipe, but it’s definitely on the pricy side. A more reasonably priced option that I love is Whole Foods 365 tonic water. I think it’s less than half the price of Fever Tree, and it tastes very smooth and refreshing.
Between you and me, I rarely squeeze fresh blood oranges to make this drink. I usually cheat and buy bottled blood orange juice from Whole Foods (I promise they didn’t pay me to say these things, FYI). I’m guessing there are other brands you can use, but theirs definitely tastes like it’s freshly squeezed.
You get the vibrant color, and no one can tell the difference. I recommend going this route if you’re planning to scale up the recipe for parties.
If you’re unable to find regular blood oranges or blood orange juice, you can absolutely substitute regular oranges or orange juice. Sorry to be a broken record, but I’d recommend getting a better quality orange juice if you go the bottled route. 100% pure OJ, not from concentrate, preferably not the cheapest option.
Make this. You’ll be glad you did.
Love boozy drinks? Be sure to check out these recipes:
- Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur
- Cranberry Margarita
- Nutella Irish Cream Milkshake
- The Classic Martini + The Dirty Martini
Blood Orange Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup blood orange juice (1-2 blood oranges)
- 1/2 cup good quality tonic water (such as Fever Tree or Whole Foods 365)
- 1 1/2 ounces good quality gin (such as Bombay Sapphire)
- 1/4 - 1/2 lime, juiced (I like a lot of lime; you might prefer less)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice (or in a large liquid measuring cup), combine the blood orange juice, tonic water, gin, and lime.
- Serve over ice.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
grandbabycakes says
I’m such a big blood orange fan for some reason. I think its the gorgeous color that tempts me every winter. This drink is a must try.
Savory Simple says
It’s the color more than the flavor for me (though I do love the flavor). They’re a food photographer’s dream.
Tutti Dolci says
I love blood oranges and that color is just stunning!
Savory Simple says
Thank you!
Rachel says
My go-to drink has been the White Russian for years, thanks to The Big Lebowski. Lately, though, I’ve been ordering Whiskey Sours. On occasion, I love a good Gin & Tonic, and this one is absolutely gorgeous!
Savory Simple says
I love White Russians and used to order them all the time! I felt the need to branch out when I found myself in a few bars where I didn’t know that I trusted them to have fresh milk. That’s actually when I discovered G&Ts, haha
movita beaucoup says
Gin and tonic is my absolute favourite! Blood oranges could only make it more awesome…
Julia Frey@Vikalinka says
I do love to spruce up my gin and tonic, which happens to be my favourite drink as well, and this colour is just beautiful!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
This is such an amazing cocktail and so perfect for Friday! I love the color, it’s beautiful!
Caroline Hurley says
This is perfectly stunning. Excuse me while I stare a bit longer. ;) Cheers!
Mairi Campbell says
These are delicious…I’m on my third….the colour is gorgeous. Always looking for new spins on my g&t, and this is a great new way to use the beautiful blood oranges we find mid-winter! Thank you!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
Just divine. Gin and tonics are my all time favorite well drink, and that orange is positively captivating.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Loving this blood orange recipe, not only do I love the taste but they are oh so pretty!
Carrie says
I am so making these for my Saturday night treat. Blood oranges are indeed so much better than Meyer Lemons. They should get more attention!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
I’m a big fan of G&T’s, so I’m sure I’d absolutely love this!!
kbelleicious says
that looks delicious
Nik@ABrownTable says
Blood oranges are sexy and so is this drink!
Elizabeth - SugarHero.com says
I would happily scroll through pages of your citrus and drink photos all day. These are so, so gorgeous, Jennifer!