Blood & Sanguinello
A modern interpretation of the Prohibition-era Blood and Sand cocktail, elevated by using distinctly flavored Sanguinello blood orange juice for a complex, balanced drink that bridges classic sensibilities with the modern palate.
21%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Blood & Sanguinello is a modern interpretation of the classic Blood and Sand cocktail, which was named after the 1922 silent film starring Rudolph Valentino. The original appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book" with equal parts of all ingredients. The modern version adjusts the ratios to highlight the Scotch and uses Sanguinello blood oranges from Sicily, whose complex sweet-tart flavor with berry-like undertones transforms the drink from a historical curiosity into a sophisticated modern cocktail.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass thoroughly
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-frosted
Double-strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass
Garnish with a flamed orange peel
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe glass
Garnish
Express oils through flame over drink, then discard
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use Sanguinello blood oranges when in season for the best flavor
Double-strain to remove all fruit pulp for a smooth texture
The flamed orange peel is essential - it adds caramelized citrus aromatics
Freshly squeezed juice is non-negotiable for this cocktail
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Blood & Sanguinello.
Scotch-Forward
Increase Scotch to 2 oz while reducing other ingredients to 0.5 oz each for a drier profile.
Changes
Death & Co. Version
Add a half-teaspoon of lemon juice for extra brightness and acidity.
Changes
Smoky Blood & Sand
Use lightly peated Scotch like Talisker for a smoky counterpoint to the sweetness.
Changes
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