I first tasted a Blood Orange Aviation at a friend’s holiday party last winter, and honestly – it was love at first sip. The way that deep ruby color caught my eye from across the room had me intrigued, but it was the interplay of bright citrus and botanical flavors that won me over completely. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so of course, I hunted down the recipe before the night was over.
The original Aviation is a classic cocktail, invented in the early 1900s by Hugo Ensslin at New York’s Hotel Wallick. Back then, “aviation” was all about excitement and innovation – kind of gives the drink a fun backstory, don’t you think? My obsession, though, is this version that swaps out standard lemon for fresh blood orange juice. That subtle sweetness totally lifts the drink and gives it a lush color that’s almost too pretty to drink (almost).
Strength & Profile
Note: You can tap on flavors, occasions, and feels to view more similar cocktail recipes.
Each sip bursts with blood orange brightness, balanced by herbal notes from the gin, and a delicate hint of maraschino liqueur. It’s flavorful and layered, but nothing about it feels fussy. You get just enough complexity to keep things interesting, but it’s easy to enjoy even if you aren’t a cocktail fanatic.
—
What You’ll Need
For one drink:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice (fresh is key, trust me)
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Blood orange slice or cherry, for garnish
Grab a nice cocktail or coupe glass – it really lets the color shine.
—
How To Make It
- Fill a cocktail shaker about three-quarters with ice.
- Pour in the gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously (15 seconds is usually perfect) until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Add your garnish – blood orange slice or a cherry.
If you want a non-alcoholic version, just sub gin for tonic water (or plain sparkling water) and skip the maraschino liqueur. The blood orange flavor is delicious all on its own.
—
Extra Tips & Variations
After countless rounds at home (purely in the name of “research”), I’ve figured out a few tricks. Fresh blood orange juice makes all the difference – a little effort, but totally worth it! And if you like your drinks on the sweeter side, just bump up the simple syrup a bit. The flavor of blood oranges can be all over the map; sometimes they’re super sweet, sometimes more tart, so taste as you go.
This cocktail is surprisingly food-friendly. I love it with a cheese board – especially creamy brie or tangy goat cheese. At one dinner party, I tried serving these with grilled shrimp and the crowd went wild. There’s something about the bright citrus that pairs so well with seafood and rich cheeses.
If gin’s not your thing, I’ve swapped in vodka for a few friends and it still works beautifully. Feeling adventurous? Try agave nectar instead of simple syrup for a little extra warmth.
And for brunch? Blood Orange Mimosas are the move: just blood orange juice and bubbly, and you’re set. It’s even simpler but totally show-stopping on a brunch table.
—
Now, whenever I’m hosting, the Blood Orange Aviation is my go-to. Not only does it look gorgeous in a glass, but I haven’t met a guest yet who didn’t finish theirs with a smile. Give it a whirl this weekend! Who knows – maybe it’ll earn a spot in your own cocktail lineup.
