Bitter Blood Orange Simple Syrup

Our first micro batch release of 2024!

I made just 120 bottles of this recipe because, man, it was labor intensive. But dang, it's good.

Ever since our trip to Italy last summer, Nate and I have been loving bitter notes in our beverages. We captured those notes in this syrup by simmering the blood orange peels along with their juice and zest, allowing the bitter pith to balance the sweet and citrusy notes. We love this one with margaritas, or simply with some bubbly water (a splash of tonic takes those bitter notes up a notch - so refreshing!)

Here are a few drink recipes to try. Tag us on Instagram with your creations - we love to see them!

Blood Orange Whiskey Sour

• 2 oz whiskey
• 0.75 oz bitter blood orange syrup
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 1 egg white

Add whiskey, syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a shaker. Dry shake for about 30 seconds. Add ice to the shaker and shake again to chill. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, or into a coupe glass with no ice.
You can also make this recipe without the egg white - in that case, skip the dry shake and go straight to shaking with ice.

 

Blood Orange Margarita

• 1.5 oz blanco or reposado tequila
• 0.75 oz bitter blood orange syrup
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.25 oz orange liqueur OR Aperol

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake to chill. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

 

Bitter Blood Orange Faux-jito (alcohol free)

• 1 oz bitter blood orange syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 4-6 fresh mint leaves
• 4 oz club soda or tonic water
• Crushed ice
• Orange slice and mint sprig, for garnish

 

In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves, then fill the glass with crushed ice. Pour in the bitter blood orange syrup and lime juice, and stir well to combine. Top off the mixture with 4 oz of club soda, and garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint.