Spooky Blood Orange Spritizer #HalloweenRecipe @LeslieKarst

 

I don't know about you, but here in Santa Cruz, California, it's still quite warm, so the idea of a refreshing spritzer definitely hits the spot. And this drink is perfect or Halloween--not only because of the BLOOD orange--but also because of its lovely orange color. 

Blood oranges are more common in Italy than the United States and can be difficult to find for sale at grocery stores here. But if you’re lucky enough to locate them at the farmers’ market or have a friend with a tree, they make for a beautiful and delicious addition to any dish or drink requiring oranges. (And don't worry: If you can’t find blood oranges, feel free to use pink grapefruit or cranberry juice for this drink, which will make for a similarly tart and ruby-red substitute.)

I made the tasty beverage pictured above with gin, for a delectable pre-dinner cocktail. But for a refreshing non-alcoholic spritzer, merely omit the gin and add a bit more soda water. And you’ll be surprised at how much the woody-perfumy rosemary sprig adds to the flavor!

Spooky Blood Orange-Gin Spritzer

2 oz. blood orange juice (or substitute pink grapefruit or cranberry juice)

2 oz. regular orange juice

2 oz. gin (if using; or substitute vodka)

2-4 oz. soda water

1 sprig fresh rosemary

Juice the oranges, and measure out 2 ounces of each.

Fill a highball glass with ice, then pour in the gin (if using).

Add the orange juice and the blood orange juice.

Top with soda water, stir, and garnish with the rosemary sprig. 

Cin cin! Alla salute!

 

🌿 🍊 🌱

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