Gin and tonic cocktails are for every season and this ripe, juicy, pretty pink gin drink is right on time for the season. Add this recipe to your winter happy hour rotation!
I'm hearing more and more about Dry January this year and, if that's your current move, put this easy cocktail recipe in your pocket for February. Contrary to popular belief, gin and tonics are not just for the summertime. I've said it before and I am standing all the way up in my stance on cold-weather gin and tonic cocktails with this beautiful and simple blood orange G&T. Blood orange season is fleeting but sweet so I encourage you to jump on this gin cocktail for winter at your earliest opportunity. And if you don't know, now you know. Let's get into how to make a gin tonic with blood orange.
If you enjoy gin & tonic recipes, check these out, too!
What You'll Need for this Recipe
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- Blood Oranges
- Dry Gin
- Ice
- Tonic Water
My gin recommendations for this drink are Still ATX Naturalist Gin or Citadelle French Gin. And use whatever kind of tonic water you'd normally grab. As far as cocktail tools for this recipe, grab a jigger and a bar spoon. If you have neither, a shot glass and a butter knife will work almost just as well. Also, I love these ice trays for making pretty pebble ice at home without a machine.
When Are Blood Oranges in Season?
Blood orange season typically lasts from end of December to March-ish. I take advantage and make all the things from blood orange salad dressing to blood orange smoothies and, of course, creative cocktails. The good thing about this season is that it spans winter and spring-like weather--at least down here in Houston! And when you can't find blood oranges in stores, blood orange gin is a thing.
I love this gin & tonic with blood orange instead of lime but you can enjoy flavored G&Ts year-round! Here are a few ways to make a gin and tonic different. Try these seasonal variations to sip pretty no matter what fresh produce is available near you.
- Apple Cider Gin & Tonic for Fall
- Gin & Tonic with Pomegranate and Grapefruit for Winter
- Hibiscus Gin & Tonic for Spring
- Spiced Pineapple Gin & Tonic for Summer
How to Serve a Blood Orange G&T
What can I add to a gin and tonic? Classically, a wheel of lime is all you need. I personally prefer a wedge of lime so that I can squeeze the lime juice in and get a brighter flavor. For this gin drink with winter fruit, I garnish with slices of blood orange because it's just too pretty not to! And, for some contrast, a sprig of mint. This is entirely ornamental so you could certainly use dehydrated lime wheels or sprigs of thyme for the same pop of green. Either way, this is a stunning boozy pink drink. You can serve it in either a rocks glass or a highball glass and I like to sip through a thoughtful reusable straw when making drinks at my home bar.
What Liquor Goes Well with Blood Orange?
Obviously from this recipe, gin pairs perfectly with blood orange juice. But you can also match blood orange with dark spirits, like I did in this sparkling bourbon drink. Blood orange juice also goes in margaritas. Peep my blood orange & mezcal marg recipe for the proof! You can combine these dark, juicy citrus fruits with several kinds of liquors.
Now that you know how to make a gin and tonic with blood orange, I hope you'll enjoy this low calorie cocktail before the season ends. Ands sharing is caring so be sure to pin the recipe over on Pinterest to save for later. Thanks for reading!
The Best Blood Orange Gin & Tonics Recipe
The Best Blood Orange Gin & Tonics
Ingredients
- 4 ounces gin
- 6 dashes bitters
- 1 ½ ounce blood orange juice
- ice
- 2 slices blood orange optional garnish
- mint optional garnish
Instructions
- Fill two highball glasses halfway with ice.
- Add two ounces of gin to each glass, followed by ¾ oz blood orange juice then three dashes of bitters each.
- Top up each glass with chilled tonic water. Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with slices of blood orange and sprigs of mint, if desired. Enjoy responsibly!
Nutrition
Stephanie says
Such a refreshing drink! The sweet tanginess of the blood orange paired perfectly with the gin.
Marta says
Gin and tonics are one of my most favorite cocktails, but I don't think I've ever had them made with blood orange. That punch of floral citrus flavor really was a delicious game-changer for me.
Immaculate says
We've been seeing sunnier days in Italy lately and I was craving a light refreshing drink. Luckily for me, I came across this recipe just as blood oranges were in season. I made this blood orange gin & tonic and invited the girls for an Aperitivo, It was perfect!
Crystal says
I've been slowly stocking my at-home bar and have been looking for easy cocktails for every alcohol I purchase. I love how refreshing this gin and tonic turned out. This will be perfect for the spring.
Dee Moore says
It's nothing like a classic gin & tonic and the blood oranges really gave it a refreshing citrus taste! This recipe was so simple and easy, I just made small batch for guest.
Robin says
I'm a Gin and Tonic drinker so it was refreshing to come across a new take on my old favorite. I can't wait to serve these to my friends this Spring.
Carita says
I am not an avid drinker of gin but when I saw this on your IG page, I HAD to come to the site and give it a try! You have converted me and the blood orange addition? PERFECTION. My girlfriends ask me to make this treat every time they come over now!
Marcus Avery says
Aside from the refreshing taste, this drink is a beauty to look at! I'll be saving this recipe for the summer! Thank you for sharing!
Britney Brown-Chamberlain says
can i just say that this was the perfect use for my blood oranges? I loved the blood oranges and gin went together, so delicious!
Jen says
This drink was absolutely stunning, refreshing and delicious! I plan to serve them at my besties birthday dinner because gin and tonic is her fav.