The Best Blood Orange Gin & Tonic

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!

• Grapefruit Pomegranate Gin & Tonic
• Spiced Gin & Tonic with Apple Cider
• Summery Pineapple Gin & Tonic

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