Blood And Sand co*cktail Recipe – MK Library (2024)

Published: October 30, 2020 | Updated: August 4, 2022 by Michael Kahn

The Blood and Sand co*cktail may have an intense name, but it tastes similar to a sophisticated mimosa. Fresh blood orange juice, sweet Vermouth, and Heering cherry liqueur create a balanced and uniquely-refreshing co*cktail with hints of cherry and tart citrus. Its blood-red color perfectly lends itself to an adult Halloween get-together.

In search of more Halloween-themed co*cktail ideas? Try the tart and refreshing Fallen Diablo co*cktail or the light and fragrant Hocus Pocus co*cktail.

The Blood and Sand co*cktail was created to promote its namesake, Rudolph Valentino’s 1922 film about a great matador. Originally, the red Cherry Heering was meant to represent the “blood” and orange juice, the “sand.” I’d like to think substituting blood-orange for the original recipe’s plain orange juice only adds to the dramatic symbolism.

So, why do some bartenders avoid this historic co*cktail?

Most people point to the equal-proportioned yet overpowering orange juice as being a major downfall. Some say that it all comes down to bartending technique. I like to think it is the use of rarely used ingredients taking up shelf space and a lack of orders.

I’ve made this co*cktail with both regular orange juice and various cherry liqueurs, but the breakthrough came when I was finally able to prepare it during blood orange season. Now, blood orange juice won’t necessarily make or break the recipe, but it does change the overall flavor for the better. Too much regular orange juice and you risk turning this co*cktail from a Blood and Sand into a Screwdriver.

Elevating the Blood and Sand co*cktail

One of the important ingredients to stay true to is Heering Cherry Liqueur. On its own, the cherry liqueur tastes thick and medicinal, somewhat like Robitussin. In the Blood and Sand co*cktail, however, it is absolutely outstanding.

If you cannot find Heering Cherry Liqueur anywhere, the only substitute I’ve found which maintains a balanced flavor is Luxardo Cherry Sangue Morlacco.

I like to make this co*cktail for Halloween and the end of fall/beginning of winter, when Blood Oranges are in season and available in store. If you must use store-bought orange juice, go for the kind with pulp. I’ve found the texture of pulp, whether from fresh or store-bought orange juice, makes a world of difference.

After testing my own Blood and Sand variations and ordering the co*cktail at a variety of high-end craft co*cktail establishments, I’ve come up with this well-balanced recipe. Enjoy!

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