This classic cocktail was an inspiration sparked by the infamous Rudolph Valentino 1922 bullfighter movie Blood and Sand. As the name depicts, the unique drink looks like an emulsion of blood thickened with desert sands. The recipe was introduced to the masses by the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book written by Harry Craddock.
Even the most seasoned cocktail loves may look at the ingredients for Blood and Sand and be utterly confounded, because this cocktail is a riveting yet unusual blend of very contrasting tastes, which normally would never be found together in the same glass. Who would have thought to pair up blood orange juice with Scotch, and add to that some swigs of cherry Brandy and Sweet Vermouth? And yet, when mixed together, the ingredients bring to life not only a glass that looks lit up with liquid flames, but also a spicy flavour tinged with tones of sweetness and a hint of bitter, which one is unlikely to soon forget.
With a flavour that’s often described as “rich and smoky”, Blood and Sand makes for an ideal wintery drink that will steam you to your toes with its spicy warmth. The truth is that Blood and Sand just works - not only due to the added charisma of being related to the Latin Lover Rudolph Valentino and his famous silent film, but also because of the fact that it’s a beautiful amalgamation of classic flavours that work differently but blend strangely well together.
Here’s the recipe for Blood and Sand:
Ingredients:
- 25 ml Blood orange juice
- 25 ml Sweet Vermouth
- 25 ml Cherry Heering
- 25 ml Blended Scotch
Preparation:
- Add equal amounts of each of the four ingredients to a Collins glass or Cocktail glass
- Add one more splash of orange juice
- Then flame the orange zest over the drink
- Add maraschino cherry for further garnish
- Serve straight up, without ice
Equipment:
- Collins glass or cocktail glass
- Orange zest
- Lighter/match stick to flame zest
- Maraschino cherry
