Halloween is almost upon us!  Bwahahahaha!!!  In the spirit of the season, let’s explore one of my all time favorite cocktails: the Blood and Sand cocktail.  

Why is a Blood and Sand Cocktail perfect for Fall?

You couldn’t ask for a better cocktail to sip on a chilly autumn evening.  The cherry liquor and the fresh blood orange juice are reminiscent of warm summer days, but then there’s just enough smoky Scotch with rich peaty flavor to transport you to a cool autumn evening by a roaring bonfire.  Ohhhh yeah…!

The Blood and Sand Restaurant, St. Louis, MO

The first time I had this drink was in the exclusive members only St. Louis establishment by the same name.  The Blood and Sand restaurant is located in downtown St. Louis at 1500 St. Charles Street.  

Fortunately when we went there for the first time, we were using Google Maps.  You need to know what to look for when you go since there is no sign to herald their location.  From it’s mysterious front to it’s eclectic decor, it is reminiscent of the 1920’s hidden speak easies.

How did the Blood and Sand Cocktail get it’s name?

The Blood and Sand cocktail was first created during the Prohibition era (1920-1933).  This libation that came out around the time the 1922 Rudolph Valentino movie:  

However it wasn’t until Harry Craddock included it in his famous Savoy Cocktail Book (England 1930) that the libation started to pick up steam in the American speak easies.

Using the juice of blood oranges and it’s deep color help keep it linked to it’s name.  Interestingly, this is one of the few classic mixed drinks that actually includes Scotch.

So embrace your inner Valentino, grab a cozy sweater, light the fire, snuggle your sweetie and enjoy your weekend with a Blood and Sand.

Cheers & Happy Halloween!

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Blood and Sand Cocktail Recipe

This is the perfect drink for fall. Mainly because the cherry liquor and the fresh blood orange juice remind me of warm summer days. But then you also have the peaty smoky Scotch in there and that goes so well with cool fall days and a roaring bonfire.  

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, Hollywood

Prep Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 cocktail

Calories 154 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounce Blended Scotch
• 1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth
• 2 ounce Juice of Blood Orange
• 1 ounce Cherry Liquor Cherry Herring or Luxardo

Instructions

1. Pour all ingredients over ice in a shaker.  Shake well.
2. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with blood orange zest and Maraschino cherry.

Recipe Notes

If you really want to make a splash, right before serving, light the orange zest on fire.  Rub it around the lip of the glass and then add a touch more orange juice on top.  

Valentino movie optional.  Fire in the fireplace... highly recommended.  

 

Nutrition Facts

Blood and Sand Cocktail Recipe

Amount Per Serving (5 ounces)

Calories 154

% Daily Value*

Total Carbohydrates 8g 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.