Blood Orange Gin and Ginger Beer Cocktail with Fresh Lime

Prep: 5 min1 servingsmedium
Blood Orange Gin and Ginger Beer Cocktail with Fresh Lime

A vibrant citrus cocktail that combines the sweet-tart flavor of blood oranges with spicy ginger beer and botanical gin. The muddled blood orange releases essential oils and juice, creating a beautifully colored drink with complex layers of flavor. Perfect for happy hour, dinner parties, or any time you want a refreshing cocktail with a sophisticated twist. The natural sweetness of blood oranges balances the bite of ginger beer while lime adds brightness.

VeganVegetarianDairy-FreeNut-FreeKeto

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 1 blood orange
    regular orange1:1Blood oranges have deeper flavor but regular oranges work

    4

  • 1 lime
    lemon1:1

    Slightly sweeter citrus note

    Full guide →
  • 2 oz gin
    vodka1:1

    Creates a cleaner flavor profile that lets citrus shine more

  • 1 bottle ginger beer
    vodka1:1

    Creates a cleaner flavor profile that lets citrus shine more

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut blood orange into slices and place in pint glass

  2. 2

    Muddle orange slices with muddler or bar spoon to release juices

  3. 3

    Add gin to the muddled oranges

  4. 4

    Squeeze juice from half lime into mixture

  5. 5

    Strain mixture into rocks glass filled with ice

  6. 6

    Fill remainder of glass with ginger beer

  7. 7

    Garnish with single blood orange slice

Tips

Tip 1

Use a cocktail strainer to remove pulp and get a cleaner drink, or leave unstrained for more texture and flavor

Tip 2

Choose a high-quality gin with complementary botanicals like juniper and citrus to enhance the blood orange

Tip 3

Chill all ingredients beforehand for the most refreshing cocktail

Good to Know

Storage

Best enjoyed immediately but mixture can be prepared 1 hour ahead

Make Ahead

Muddle oranges and mix with gin and lime up to 1 hour before serving

Serve With

Serve immediately over ice with ginger beer for best carbonation

Common Mistakes

Watch

Avoid over-muddling which can make drink bitter from orange pith

Watch

Don't skip straining if you prefer smoother texture

Substitutions

gin→
vodka1:1

Creates a cleaner flavor profile that lets citrus shine more

Full guide →
lime→
lemon1:1

Slightly sweeter citrus note

Full guide →
blood orange→
regular orange1:1Blood oranges have deeper flavor but regular oranges work

4

ginger beer→
ginger ale1:1

Less spicy but still provides ginger flavor and fizz

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the gin and add extra ginger beer or sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail with the same citrus flavors.

What if I can't find blood oranges?

Regular navel oranges work well as a substitute, though you'll lose the distinctive color and slightly more complex flavor profile.

How long will this cocktail keep?

This drink is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain carbonation and fresh citrus flavors.