Blood and Sand

The Blood and Sand is an intriguing and surprisingly delicious cocktail that defies expectations with its equal-parts recipe. It blends the malty, smoky notes of Scotch whisky with the herbal sweetness of Italian vermouth, the rich fruitiness of cherry liqueur, and the bright acidity of fresh orange juice. The result is a complex yet approachable drink with a beautiful hazy, reddish-amber hue. It's a testament to how four seemingly disparate ingredients can unite to create something harmonious and memorable.
Blood and Sand

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Blood and Sand is firmly categorized as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the era of Prohibition-style drinks and is listed in many historical cocktail manuals. It is served as a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink rather than a long drink or highball.

Serving

Served cold and 'straight up' in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, this is a relatively strong but small-volume drink. Its presentation is elegant and simple, relying on the color of the cocktail itself.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The drink is named after the 1922 silent film "Blood and Sand," which starred Rudolph Valentino as a bullfighter. The name evokes the drama of the film, with the 'blood' represented by the cherry liqueur and the 'sand' by the color of the orange juice and Scotch. The first known printed recipe for the cocktail appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book".
Origin
The exact origin is debated, but the cocktail gained prominence in London and the United States around 1930. It was first published in "The Savoy Cocktail Book," solidifying its place in cocktail history during the post-Prohibition era.

Blood and Sand

The cocktail is consistently known as the "Blood and Sand," occasionally written with an ampersand. Its name is directly inspired by a 1922 film and has remained unchanged since its creation. There are no other significant alternative names for this classic recipe.
Original name
Blood and Sand
Alternative name
Blood & Sand

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex profile with a fruity and smoky aroma, leading to a smooth, silky texture on the palate. The taste is a unique balance of sweet cherry, sour orange, and the underlying character of Scotch whisky.
Flavor
Fruity, Smoky, Sweet, Citrusy, Herbal
Aroma
Orange, Cherry, Malt, Subtle Smoke, Sweet Herbs
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour, Smoky
Aftertaste
Lingering, Sweet, Fruity, Gentle Warmth
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, Reddish-Brown, Amber, Garnet
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
All-Season, Versatile, Slightly Warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, led by a distinct fruitiness and sweetness, balanced by a gentle sourness and the noticeable strength of the alcohol. It is not bitter, salty, creamy, or carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The classic recipe calls for four ingredients in equal parts: Scotch whisky, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and fresh orange juice. The quality of each component is key to achieving the cocktail's signature balance.
  • Blended Scotch Whisky30 ml / 1 oz
    A mild, unpeated blended Scotch is traditional, but a slightly peated one can add interesting complexity.
  • Cherry Liqueur30 ml / 1 oz
    Cherry Heering is the traditional choice for its rich, deep flavor and color.
  • Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 oz
    A quality Italian-style sweet vermouth works best.
  • Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Fresh juice is crucial for the balance of the drink; avoid bottled juice.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer for a smooth, pulp-free result.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice.
  • Fine mesh strainer to remove small ice chips and orange pulp.

Instructions

Preparation involves chilling a glass, shaking all four ingredients with ice, and then double straining the mixture into the glass. The final step is to add a simple garnish like an orange peel.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Measure and pour the Scotch whisky, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and fresh orange juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
7. Garnish with an orange peel twist or a brandied cherry before serving.

Garnishing

A common garnish is a flamed orange peel, which adds aromatic oils to the surface of the drink. Alternatively, a simple orange twist or a high-quality brandied cherry complements the flavors perfectly.
  • Orange peel expressed over the drink and used as a twist.
  • Brandied cherry dropped into the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As it is made from distilled spirits and fruit-based ingredients, it is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the cherry liqueur and orange juice. Each serving contains approximately 210 calories and 14 grams of sugar.
Calories
Averagely 210 kcal / 879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent choice for a sophisticated cocktail party or as an aperitif before a meal. Its complex flavor profile also makes it a wonderful drink for quiet evening sipping and contemplation.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Evening Sipping
  • Celebratory Toast

Pairing suggestions

The Blood and Sand pairs well with savory and slightly fatty foods that can stand up to its complex flavor. Consider salty snacks like smoked nuts, a charcuterie board, or mild cheeses. Its profile can also complement rich foods like duck paté.
  • Smoked almonds
  • Charcuterie board with prosciutto
  • Mild, creamy cheeses like Brie
  • Duck paté

Blood and Sand: A Cinematic Classic in a Glass

The Blood and Sand is a classic cocktail that showcases the versatility of Scotch whisky in a mixed drink. Its equal-parts formula is easy to remember, but the resulting flavor is surprisingly complex, shifting between smoky, sweet, and fruity. Named after a silent film, it carries a sense of old-world glamour and sophistication. It's an excellent choice for those looking to explore classic cocktails beyond the more common recipes.

Similar Cocktails

Rob Roy

A related classic Scotch cocktail, but simpler, containing only Scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It lacks the fruity components of the Blood and Sand.

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